NATO aims to further expand cooperation in the Balkans and support the aspirations of countries seeking to join the alliance, according to a declaration following a summit in the U.S. capital, Washington D.C.
“We remain committed to NATO’s continued engagement in the Western Balkans, including through the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR). We reaffirm our ongoing support for regional ally efforts aimed at maintaining security, stability, and freedom of navigation in the Black Sea region,” the declaration stated.“We will continue to monitor and assess developments in the region and enhance our situational awareness, focusing on threats to our security and potential opportunities for closer cooperation with our partners in the region if needed. NATO supports the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of interested countries in this area,” the document noted.
In response to NATO’s increased activity in the region, Russia has repeatedly expressed its concerns. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia remains open to dialogue with NATO, but on an equal footing, while the West must abandon the path of militarization on the continent.
- NATO aims to enhance cooperation in the Balkans, supporting regional countries' membership aspirations while maintaining security and stability through KFOR and Black Sea efforts.
- Russia expresses concerns over NATO’s activities, emphasizing the need for equal dialogue and urging the West to halt militarization.
NATO's Balkan Strategy
Russia’s Concerns on NATO
