On Wednesday, August 17, 2022, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with President Aleksandar Vui of Serbia at NATO Headquarters. He expressed his appreciation for the chance to further examine recent tensions in northern Kosovo.
Mr. Stoltenberg urged all parties to “exercise calm and to avoid violence,” while acknowledging that the situation on the ground had improved.
In addition, Mr. Stoltenberg welcomed the planned round of talks between Belgrade and Pristina on Thursday and encouraged all parties to participate in good faith, referring to the talks as “the platform to find a solution that respects the rights of all people.”
Additionally, the harsh Russian conflict against Ukraine was considered by the Secretary General and President Vui.
The international community must unify to oppose Russia’s unwarranted attack, and we must all work together to persuade Russia to cease this conflict, according to Mr. Stoltenberg.
The Secretary General stated that the Russian forces’ seizure of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant poses “a serious threat to the safety and security of these facilities; increases the risk of a nuclear accident or incident; and endangers the population of Ukraine, of neighbouring countries, and of the international community.”
“It is vital to permit the International Atomic Energy Agency inspection and to guarantee the removal of all Russian soldiers,” he said.
NATO and Serbia have a long-standing relationship, which the Secretary General further commended, adding that “we will continue to engage with your nation to achieve our aim of peace and security in the Western Balkans.”