JFC NAPLES COMMANDER VISITS SENIOR OFFICIALS IN KOSOVO

PRISTINA, Kosovo - Today, Allied Joint Force Command Naples Commander, U.S. Navy Admiral Mark Ferguson, visited Kosovo Force (KFOR) and senior officials in Kosovo.

His visit included meetings with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Isa Mustafa, the Bishop of Raska-Prizren, Teodosije Šibalić, the head of Kosovo Police, Shpend Maxhuni and the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) Commander, Lieutenant General Rhaman Rama.

Italian Army Major General Guglielmo Luigi Miglietta, KFOR Commander, welcomed Admiral Ferguson to KFOR Headquarters at Camp Film City. He was briefed by KFOR’s headquarters staff on the latest developments in the security and political situation in Kosovo as well as the wider Balkans region.

The main objective of Admiral Ferguson’s visit was to discuss safety, security and stabilisation efforts in Kosovo with the key leaders.

The Commanders discussed the importance of KFOR’s presence in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo. The ability of KFOR to work in a constructive and impartial way and in close coordination with both Local Institutions and International Organizations remains a vital priority for ensuring stability in the Balkan region.

"With a new year beginning, I look forward to continuing work with partners to maintain a safe and secure atmosphere for all of Kosovo’s communities,” said Admiral Ferguson.

"Kosovo has succeeded in making steady improvements in the security environment thanks to its many dedicated and faithful residents.

NATO has been leading a peace support operation in Kosovo since June 1999 in support of wider international efforts to build peace and stability in the area.

Approximately 5,000 troops from the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), provided by 31 countries continue to work towards maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all citizens and communities in Kosovo.