Pristina, 8 April 2026
Full speech by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, on the occasion of the transfer of authority of the Director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT) in the Republic of Kosovo:
Honorable Mr. Ejup Maqedonci, Minister of Defense,
Honorable Ms. Charlotte Hallengren, Director for Operations of the International Staff, NATO Headquarters,
Honorable Commander of the Kosovo Security Force, Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari,
Honorable Deputy Commander of KFOR, Brigadier General Federico Collina,
Honorable Director of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT), Brigadier General Dr. Sven Lange,
Honorable Generals,
Honorable Ambassadors,
Honorable Defense Attaches,
Honorable Members of the Armed Forces,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Honourable attendees,
It is a special pleasure to address you today, at a moment that reflects our shared journey toward strengthening defense capacities and advancing the strategic partnership with our allies.
The Republic of Kosovo has built its security institutions on the basis of close and sustainable cooperation with NATO and its member states. The Kosovo Security Force is today a professional, reliable institution in continuous development, and this progress is the result of internal commitment, but also of the unwavering support of our partners, for which we are always grateful.
Along this journey, the role of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT) has been essential. Through strategic advice, professional assistance and daily cooperation, NALT has contributed directly to increasing operational capacities, strengthening democratic governance and raising institutional standards, both for the Ministry of Defense and for the Kosovo Security Force.
And in particular, in this sensitive period for global security, characterized by new challenges and unpredictable dynamics, close coordination with our strategic partners is more important than ever.
In this context, NATO’s presence in Kosovo, through the Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT), constitutes a contributing element not only to the security of the country, but also of the entire region.
As a government, we highly value these achievements, which demonstrate that our cooperation with NATO and its mechanisms is not only necessary, but also successful and producing concrete results that impact the advancement of the defense sector. At the same time, this cooperation strengthens the resilience, security and Euro-Atlantic orientation of the Republic of Kosovo.
Membership of the Republic of Kosovo in NATO remains our strategic objective, and the progress we are making today and every other day confirms that we are on the right path.
Today, in a special way, we express our gratitude for the contribution of the Director of the NALT Office in Kosovo, Brigadier General Dr. Lange. His engagement has been of particular importance in advancing cooperation between our institutions and NATO, as well as in strengthening our state capacities in the field of defense.
His work has left a lasting mark on the development of the Kosovo Security Force and on the consolidation of our defense institutions, contributing to increasing the reliability and credibility of the Republic of Kosovo in the international arena.
As we thank him for his valuable service, we wish him continued success in his future engagements, convinced that he will remain a close friend of the Republic of Kosovo.
I am likewise convinced that his successor, Brigadier General Thomas Schulte-Borghoff, will continue this mission with the same dedication and professionalism.
Here in Kosovo, in our democratic Republic, you will find a friendly and welcoming environment, with institutions dedicated to serving peace and security, freedom and stability.
Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.
Vielen Dank!
