Slovenia's President visits soldiers in Kosovo: "People have great confidence in you because we know that we can always count on you."

At Pristina's Camp Film City, President Pirc Musar was welcomed by KFOR Commander, Major General Enrico Barduani. Discussions centred on Slovenia's contribution to the KFOR operation, its operational tasks, future plans and the current security situation in the region.

The President also met with the Commander of the 50th Slovenian Contingent in Kosovo, Lieutenant Colonel Iztok Stavanja, who informed her about the contingent's mission and tasks, as well as about the situation in the area of operations. President Pirc Musar highlighted the strategic importance of Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans region to Slovenia, stressing the need for continued international support to foster lasting regional stability. She underlined that the Allied KFOR operation remains a key pillar in this effort.

During her address to Slovenian soldiers, the President stressed that more than 300 Slovenian members of the Slovenian Armed Forces currently serve across the Western Balkans, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and elsewhere, carrying out the mandates of United Nations Security Council resolutions to ensure stability and uphold international law: "This is a responsibility that not everyone can shoulder. As members of the Slovenian Armed Forces, you are defenders of multilateralism, pillars of peace and steadfast guardians of humanity in the world. Wars are not started by soldiers, but by irrational politicians who never set foot on the front line. I am deeply saddened that many families and children around the world will spend their holidays in ruins, in shelters or in mourning. You have chosen a noble profession rooted in important social values such as respect for human rights and freedoms, comradeship, love of country, humanity and solidarity. For more than 25 years, you have upheld and promoted these values in the international arena. Throughout these years, you have supported institutions and security forces in international operations and missions to maintain security and stability, and you have helped local communities through various projects."

President Pirc Musar also emphasised that members of the Slovenian Armed Forces always wear the Slovenian uniform and flag with honour and responsibility, remaining true to their oath to defend the homeland. "People have great confidence in you because we know we can always count on you. I have often witnessed how, during your service abroad, you have earned the trust of your international colleagues in KFOR and other missions, as well as of the trust of local community representatives. I have personally received many compliments on your work and I am always proud to accept them, knowing they are sincere," she added. 

President Pirc Musar will conclude her visit to the military base in Pristina by attending a concert performed by the Slovenian Armed Forces band "Naboj," dedicated to the soldiers deployed in the Kosovo mission.