Photo: Matjaž Klemenc/UPRS
The long-term stability and safety of Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans is of strategic importance
The President of the Republic of Slovenia concluded her working visit to the Republic of Kosovo by meeting with the members of the 48th and 49th KFOR Contingent of the Slovenian Armed Forces (SVNKON) in the Novo Selo military base. Yesterday at the Film City base in Pristina, she met with the commander of the NATO military operation in the country, KFOR, Major General Özkan Ulutaş, and was briefed on the security situation and the tasks of the Slovenian contingent.
Pristina, Republic of Kosovo , 16 Apr 2024
The KFOR military operation in Kosovo, which has been providing support for a safe and stable environment and freedom of movement throughout the country’s territory since June 1999, currently counts 4,600 members from 28 countries. The Slovenian headcount in KFOR now stands at 105 and a personnel rotation is currently underway. Members of the 48th Contingent will be replaced by members of the 49th Contingent. The contingent’s mission is to ensure a safe and stable environment and freedom of movement, monitor the security and overall situation in the area of operations, and perform staff duties and advisory tasks.
"The long-term stability and safety of Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans is of the outmost strategic importance for Slovenia. We remain committed to this operation, which is one of the key elements to joint safety and stability efforts in Kosovo and the wider region," said the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Slovenian Armed Forces at the meeting with Slovenian soldiers.
She thanked the members of both contingents for their efforts and congratulated them on the successful performance of their challenging tasks as part of the operation, which is also appreciated by our allies: "Thank you for your commitment, professionalism and good work. To those who are leaving, I wish you a pleasant and safe return to our homeland, and to those starting your mission, I wish you all success and safety in your work."