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KFOR COMMANDER MET WITH THE CHIEF OF THE SWISS ARMED FORCES

23rd December 2014. Yesterday, at NATO KFOR Headquarters in Pristina/Prishtina, KFOR Commander, Major General Francesco Paolo Figliuolo, met with Lieutenant General Andrè Blattmann, Chief of the Swiss Armed Forces.

General Blattmann thanked all of KFOR and its 31 contributing countries for their worldwide commitment to security, emphasizing the importance of their comprehensive approach to regional security in the Balkans. In that respect, General Figliuolo highlighted the effective role of KFOR as a security provider in Kosovo and the cooperation with the International Community in creating the conditions for social and economic development of the region.

General Blattmann confirmed that Switzerland will actively continue to support KFOR in the next years. KFOR Commander, emphasizing the importance of such contribution coming from a Nation which has always had a tradition of neutrality and impartiality, expressed his appreciation for the excellent professionalism shown by the Swiss service members and the high calibre assets, such as helicopters and specialized equipment for engineering, explosive ordnance disposal and improvised explosive device disposal.

During his visit, General Blattmann met with the Swiss Armed Forces personnel deployed throughout Kosovo, including the Joint Regional Detachment North. The Joint Regional Detachment North serves as the troops on the ground, providing situational awareness and assessment to KFOR. In order to accomplish their mission they meet with all community leaders who are willing to contribute to a safe and secure environment.

Since October 1999, the Swiss Armed Forces have been involved in the KFOR mission. Currently, there are about 200 Swiss service members deployed in KFOR, with the command of the Joint Regional Detachment North, led by   Colonel Fischer. Furthermore Swiss Armed Forces service members are deployed in Camp Film City, in Camp Prizren and in Camp Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny (Vucitrin/Vushtrria).