Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti discussed his country’s NATO ambitions with Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday in Dublin. The two also explored ways to expand cooperation between Kosovo’s institutions and the NATO-led Kosovo Force, known as KFOR.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit. Kurti said the conversation also covered recent developments and the security situation in the Western Balkans.
Kurti Seeks Closer Cooperation With KFOR
Kurti said he and Rutte discussed specific opportunities for Kosovo’s institutions to work more closely with KFOR. The NATO-led mission has operated in Kosovo since 1999 and helps maintain a safe and secure environment.
Kurti also said NATO’s continued presence in the region remained important given security risks and the influence of outside actors.
NATO Membership Remains a Priority for Kosovo
Kurti reiterated that joining NATO was a strategic priority for Kosovo. He argued that membership would strengthen long-term security in the Western Balkans and contribute to stability across Europe.
Any invitation to join NATO requires consensus among its members. Four allies, Greece, Romania, Slovakia and Spain, do not recognize Kosovo’s independence.
