Rutte: NATO and allies helping to keep the peace in Kosovo

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte mentioned Kosovo during a speech in Iowa, United States, stressing the Alliance’s role and the contribution of the Iowa National Guard in the country.

Rutte took part in Des Moines in the discussion “A Conversation on NATO’s Future”, organized by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, alongside the U.S. permanent representative to NATO, Ambassador Matthew G. Whitaker.

Speaking about NATO’s importance for the security of the United States and the allies’ contribution to keeping the peace, Rutte singled out Kosovo as one of the concrete examples of cooperation.

“Together, we help keep the peace in Kosovo,” Rutte declared.

He also stressed the special bond between Kosovo and Iowa, mentioning the contribution of members of the state’s National Guard.

Rutte said Kosovo is Iowa’s partner state and that Iowa National Guard members have provided significant support and training to the Kosovo Security Force, mentioning KFOR in this context as well.

The NATO Secretary General used Kosovo as one of the examples to argue that cooperation within the Alliance has a concrete impact on international security.

During the speech, Rutte also spoke broadly about NATO’s role in the security of Europe, the Atlantic and the Arctic, and the importance of allies increasing their defense capacities.

He also mentioned the war in Ukraine, saying NATO is helping Kyiv defend itself from Russian aggression and that Ukraine’s security is closely tied to the security of Alliance countries.

Rutte’s visit to Iowa also included the state’s National Guard. NATO announced that Rutte and Whitaker visited the Joint Forces headquarters of the Iowa National Guard at Camp Dodge, where they praised its members for their contribution to NATO missions and exercises, particularly the KFOR mission in Kosovo.

KFOR continues its mission in Kosovo, where, according to NATO, it is tasked with contributing to a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities.

After his stay in Iowa, Rutte traveled to New York to take part in the United Nations General Assembly.

Source: Telegrafi