Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană welcomed US Deputy Secretary Gabriel Escobar and EU Special Representative for Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other regional issues in the Western Balkans Miroslav Lajčák to NATO Headquarters on Monday January 9, 2023. Their meeting was part of regular consultations on the situation in Kosovo and developments in the wider Western Balkans region.
Deputy Secretary General Geoană highlighted the intensive efforts made by NATO Allies and the European Union to defuse recent tensions, notably in northern Kosovo. He also highlighted the essential support provided by the NATO-led KFOR mission and the EU-led Rule of Law (EULEX) mission in the successful dismantling of roadblocks, which contributed to fully restoring freedom of movement to across Kosovo.
KFOR remains extremely vigilant and has the necessary capabilities and personnel to continue to fully implement the UN mandate on a daily basis, for the benefit of all communities living in Kosovo. This contributes to security in Kosovo and stability throughout the region. NATO also continues to support the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina – as the main platform for building lasting peace and security in the region – as well as all efforts to advance integration European and Euro-Atlantic Western Balkans.
During their visit, Mr. Escobar and Mr. Lajčák also briefed NATO ambassadors on their mutually reinforcing diplomatic efforts and engagements with all parties in the region.