NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte concluded a two-day visit to Sarajevo and Pristina, reaffirming the alliance’s unwavering commitment to the stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Western Balkans region. The visit underscored NATO’s dedication to maintaining peace and security through its ongoing missions and partnerships in the area.
Key Takeaways
- NATO remains committed to the stability and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The Dayton Peace Agreement is crucial for peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina and must be respected.
- NATO will not allow a security vacuum in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- KFOR remains NATO’s longest and largest mission, ensuring a safe and secure environment in Kosovo.
- NATO supports the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, facilitated by the European Union.
Commitment to Bosnia and Herzegovina
During his visit to Sarajevo on March 10, 2025, Secretary General Rutte met with high-level officials from Bosnia and Herzegovina, including members of the Presidency, the Council of Ministers, and security and defense ministers. He emphasized that the Dayton Peace Agreement is the cornerstone of peace in the country and stressed that any actions undermining it or the constitutional order are unacceptable. Rutte also highlighted the importance of political leaders taking responsibility for their country’s progress and stability, assuring that NATO and its partners are present and engaged, and "will not allow a security vacuum to emerge." He reiterated NATO’s commitment to its partnership with Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing ongoing support through NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, a new Political Cell, and a Defence Capacity Building Package.
Support for Kosovo and Regional Security
On March 11, 2025, Secretary General Rutte, accompanied by the North Atlantic Council and troop-contributing partners, visited Pristina. He met with the leadership of the NATO-led KFOR mission and the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT). Rutte stated that NATO has supported peace and stability in the Western Balkans for thirty years, with KFOR being its longest and largest mission. He commended KFOR’s efforts in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all communities in Kosovo, operating under its UN mandate. The NATO Advisory and Liaison Team continues to support Kosovo’s security organizations through capacity-building and training coordination. Rutte also met with representatives of international missions in Kosovo, including EULEX, UNMIK, and the OSCE, and held bilateral discussions with Kosovo’s leadership. He stressed that a secure Western Balkans contributes to greater security across the Euro-Atlantic area and affirmed NATO’s continued support for the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, emphasizing that political solutions requiring flexibility and compromise are essential for long-term peace and the safeguarding of all communities’ rights.
