Pristina, 8 December 2016
Together with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Enver Hoxhaj, we are to talk y before about the evident achievements marked in Kosovo’s relations with international organizations and in strengthening international relations of the Republic of Kosovo abroad.
First, let me share with you an important news, which came to us yesterday from NATO, specifically by its Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg.
As you are aware, as the Prime Minister last year I sent a letter to the Secretary Stoltenberg, where I officially requested Kosovo strengthening cooperation with NATO in several important dimensions for Kosovo.
As a result, yesterday I officially accepted a very encouraging response from NATO at our letter
Taking into consideration our reasonable proposals, NATO Secretary in his reply has confirmed the substantial progress of the cooperation and support of Kosovo and Kosovo’s participation in various programs of NATO.
More specifically, the North Atlantic Council has agreed to strengthen the cooperation between NATO and Kosovo within the respective mandate of KFOR and Liaison and Advisory Team of NATO, the collaboration is expected to advance from the beginning of next year.
In the letter of NATO we were provided the opportunity for additional activities designed to strengthen cooperation with Kosovo.
These activities include:
– Increase of visits of the North Atlantic Council and Liaison Advisory Team meetings with NATO and the relevant authorities in Kosovo, through which will expand political dialogue.
– Then the dialogue and practical cooperation activities with NATO.
– Additional activities tailored to the specific needs of Kosovo, which may include the protection of networks, education, training and logistics.
– Expanding activities in the framework of “Building Integrity” in order to increase institutional capacity.
– Participation in some of the activities of the Programme of NATO “Science for Peace and Security”, which deals with mechanisms that provide opportunities for scientists and experts from NATO and partner countries to cooperate in relations to Civil science, technology and innovation.
– Consideration of ways that the Kosovo Security Force, within its mandate, to participate as observers in the exercise of the Coordinating Centre for Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Centre (EADRCC).
– Exploring ways that KSF in coordination with the Liaison Advisory Team to participate in KFOR exercises, in accordance with its mandate.
– Meanwhile, the Division for Public Diplomacy of NATO will consider ways for cooperation and support of relevant Kosovo institutions, NGOs, universities, and other actors of civil society dealing with issues of peace and security, communication and public diplomacy.
So, NATO’s Secretary, Stoltenberg, has turned us very meaningful answer, which essentially creates substantial opportunities for cooperation between the Republic of Kosovo and NATO.
I think that this is a very important news for Kosovo, as it opens a new chapter in relations and NATO’s support and also strengthens the role of Kosovo as a factor of stability in the region and as a reliable partner of NATO s in facing global challenges of security.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kosovo and its citizens, I express gratitude for NATO member states, the Secretary Stoltenberg and other authorities, stating satisfaction that this organization which 17 years ago stepped in to defend the highest humanitarian values in Kosovo, has given way to advance reports of interaction with the state of Kosovo.
As noted in the Summit of NATO in Warsaw, where leaders of states welcomed Kosovo’s aspirations for advancing the capabilities to provide security for all its citizens and to contribute to security in the region and beyond, let me express the commitment of Kosovo to gradually advance in the accession process and that the optimal period to become a NATO member.
As Prime Minister of the country, I evaluated that Kosovo has made and is making certain steps in building more capable and credible institutions on security and defence field. We have Kosovo Police which is ranked as very credible, organized and best managed as is the Security Force of Kosovo organized according to the highest standards while its members are educated and trained in the US and European centres. We should mention the KIA which is being very professional and responsive in its very sensitive scope.
We will support the security sector and will cooperate closely with NATO to contribute to peace and stability not only in this part of Europe but also in the global aspects.
Speech of the Minister Enver Hoxhaj in the press conference
Prime Minister congratulations to you and Kosovo’s citizens for this special day for our Republic.
The Republic of Kosovo has entered today into a new phase of relations with NATO. The letter signed by the Secretary General to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Mr. Mustafa expresses in fact the will of the 28 member states of NATO to a new stage of Euro-Atlantic integration of Kosovo.
As of today, we have other speed. From now we begin to move concretely toward integration into NATO. As mentioned by Prime Minister the letter offers a genuine relation between NATO and Kosovo and a full substance of cooperation between Kosovo and NATO.
You may ask why foreign minister talks about such a topic.
You know that protection is part of foreign policy and so is conceptually defined by the Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo. In an actual crisis situation in Europe and in the region, undoubtedly is the best evidence that Kosovo has the support of the most powerful Western and global Alliance.
From today Kosovo is transformed from a consumer of security, because we have been a consumer of security for a long time, due to the large presence of KFOR troops, to a producer and exporter of regional and international security.
Through this letter and through a phase in which we are entering, we will make every effort to fulfil all criteria, all conditions, so that in a near future to join the Partnership for Peace Programme, as a precondition for accession to NATO.
This relationship is the result of hard work of the Government of Kosovo, the Ministry of Security Force and its foreign policy, but above all it is the result of the conclusions of the Summit of Warsaw in the summer of this year, where was received in this summit and underlined Atlantic perspective of Kosovo.
Regarding the meeting that Prime Minister Mustafa had with _ Mr Hahn and Mrs. Mogherini two weeks ago, a meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council, I think that is of the most important years in terms of our Euro-Atlantic future.
Whereas we made every effort to increase and broaden Kosovo’s sovereignty by increasing the number of recognitions, that the geography of recognitions to be global.
You have seen, that the recognition has come from Singapore and we are in contact with some other countries, but it is not the duty of our government to make announcements about other countries, but in those moments when decisions are made, we will make them public in coordination with the countries that might recognize Kosovo.
Our goal is not only to increase the geography of recognitions, to extend its sovereignty, but also to exercise sovereignty and the exercise of sovereignty occurs through Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, which will be a target during the next year.
Last modified: July 30, 2022