NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Tuesday the Alliance was committed to its peacekeeping mission in Kosovo and called on political leaders in Belgrade and Pristina to speed up dialog to resolve outstanding issues and pave the way for lasting peace, Reuters reported.

“NATO has been supporting peace and stability in the Western Balkans region for 30 years. Our commitment remains unchanged today, led by KFOR,” Rutte said, referring to NATO's peacekeeping mission in Kosovo. - NATO will continue to fully support the European Union-led normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina.”

Rutte spoke in Pristina during a visit to KFOR troops.

The NATO Secretary General said dialog “is the only way to resolve outstanding issues and ensure a stable future, guaranteeing respect and protection of the rights of all communities.”

He called on the parties to show flexibility and compromise.

“Normalization brings greater stability, more investment opportunities, and lasting security throughout the region for the benefit of all,” Rutte said. 

 Both Kosovo and Serbia are keen to join the European Union but need to normalize relations and establish diplomatic ties to make progress. The two sides agreed in 2013 to hold an EU-backed dialog, but little progress has been made.

Kosovo declared independence in 2008, but Serbia still considers Kosovo an integral part of its territory.