UK commits to continued NATO support in Kosovo

The United Kingdom has pledged to continue contributing to the NATO Kosovo Force (KFOR) Mission in Kosovo until at least 2026, Minister for Armed Forces James Heappey said during a visit to Kosovo this week.

During a visit to Pristina, where Heappey met with President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Defence Minister Armend Mehaj, he reiterated the UK’s support for Kosovo as an important partner after it was the first to recognise its independence in 2008.

“It was a pleasure to meet with the Kosovan President and Prime Minister today and to announce the UK’s further commitment to NATO’s Kosovo Force. The extension of our commitment to KFOR underlines our unwavering commitment to supporting security in the Western Balkans region,” Heappey said.

The UK has been a key contributor to the UN-mandated NATO force since it first entered Kosovo in 1999 as a peacekeeping force to bring peace and stability following the conflict of the 1990s. Contributions in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance have been ongoing to provide a safe and secure environment for the entire population.

KFOR is the main security provider in Kosovo, counting troops from 30 countries, including Italy, Turkey, Poland, the US, and the UK. The British contribution includes a battalion-sized high-readiness Strategic Reserved Force based in the UK, but ready to deploy to Kosovo at short notice.

The NATO force was created following NATO’s 78-day air strikes against the regime of Slobodan Milosevic aimed at ending violence in Kosovo amid the Kosovo-Serbia war of 1998-1999.

KFOR’s original objectives were to deter renewed hostilities, establish a secure environment and ensure public safety and order, demilitarise the Kosovo Liberation Army, support the international humanitarian effort and coordinate with the international civil presence.

Today, the force continues to contribute towards a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement, as well as monitoring simmering tensions in the country.

(Alice Taylor | Exit.al)