Kosovo and Belgium marked a new step in their bilateral cooperation after the Belgian state officially recognized the Defense Attaché of the Republic of Kosovo there.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Kosovo, this strengthens military representation and institutional relations between the two countries.
In this regard, the Acting Minister of Defense, Ejup Maqedonci, and the Belgian Minister of Defense, Theo Francken, held a joint press conference in Pristina.
Maqedonci expressed gratitude for Belgium’s support since 2008, calling this decision a meaningful step in Kosovo’s path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
“I wholeheartedly thank the Belgian Minister of Defense, my friend Theo, and a friend of Kosovo who, for a long time, has contributed and supported Kosovo’s cause in every instance where he has had the opportunity to advocate for our country. Thank you for this extraordinary news for our country—this highly significant news that Belgium, the capital of the two key destinations of our country, NATO and the European Union, is recognizing the presence of the Defense Attaché of the Republic of Kosovo right in Brussels. This gives us the opportunity to deepen our cooperation with Belgium as our partner country,” said Maqedonci.
Minister Francken emphasized that the connection with Kosovo is both historic and strategic, calling the recognition of the attaché a “logical step” in strengthening the security partnership.
“I was here for the first time in 2009, so 16 years ago. I was the Minister of Immigration in Belgium for a few years, about 10 years ago, so I’m happy to be here now in a new role—as Minister of Defense and Foreign Trade—and to hold a fantastic bilateral meeting with my colleague. Last night and this morning we met and visited our KFOR troops, because they are important for the country’s security and for stability in the Balkans. I believe it is very important for us to have this mission together with the three Benelux countries. We have drone pilots working here, and it is the first time in 10 years that we have this many people on your territory to help protect Kosovo. I am someone who has always strongly supported Kosovo’s cause. Belgium was one of the first countries to recognize your state’s independence, and that is very important to us. And it is in that spirit that we want to officially announce today that the military attaché will be positioned in Brussels,” he said.
The Belgian minister was also asked about developments in northern Kosovo, particularly regarding the terrorist attacks linked to Serbia.
“I am not the Foreign Minister, but I do have troops from Belgium stationed in Kosovo as part of KFOR, including professional drone pilots. I do not have command authority because I’m not the Foreign Minister, but what I can say is that the new Belgian government leans toward Kosovo—to help keep the people of Kosovo safe and to affirm that Kosovo is Europe,” he said. /KosovaPress
