David Cameron meets UK troops deployed on Nato peacekeeping mission in Kosovo
Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron has visited Kosovo on his first trip of the new year to meet UK troops based in the country and hold talks with Kosovan leaders and civil society.
Britain currently has just over 600 personnel in Kosovo, 200 from the 1st Battalion of the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, who were sent there in October following a request by Nato's Supreme Allied Commander Europe after the attack on Kosovo Police on 24 September and increased tensions in the region.
Four hundred troops are in the country as part of an annual exercise, and the UK has two intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance units deployed as well as staff officers assigned to staff headquarters.
"Kosovo is an independent sovereign country that wants stability, it wants security, it wants prosperity," said Lord Cameron during his official visit.
While in the Kosovan capital of Pristina, Lord Cameron will meet his counterpart the Minister of Foreign Affairs Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, and hold talks with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti about security issues in the Western Balkans region.
The Foreign Secretary will look to underline the UK's commitment to support Kosovo and the wider Western Balkans' stability.
Whilst visiting troops, Lord Cameron said: "Britain is helping with all of those things and it's right that we do.
"Stability in the Balkans, security in the Balkans, stopping those who want to create in stability, and create problems, that is a direct British national interest and that’s why I'm here thanking of our troops for the work they do.
"Working with Kosovan government and helping them with their agenda and recognizing this is an independent sovereign country that deserves our support as they strive towards security and success.
"The UK is proud of its longstanding support for Kosovan sovereignty and independence, and we are playing a vital role in maintaining stability in the Western Balkans to ensure the conflicts of the past do not flare up once again."
Under Nato's command, the UK forces will be available to conduct operations under KFOR's mandate to maintain a safe and secure environment and ensure freedom of movement for all people in Kosovo.
During the visit, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) said that "the Foreign Secretary will underline the UK's continued support to the Western Balkans, drawing on the UK's expertise as a partner in security and defence, tackling corruption and organised crime, and empowering women and girls".
Kosovan prime minister Kurti said on X, formerly known as Twitter: "A pleasure to host Foreign Secretary and former PM David Cameron tonight in Pristina for his first international trip of the year.
"The UK has been a staunch and faithful ally of Kosovo since before our statehood. We are grateful for the enduring support and excellent relations we enjoy."
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