The presence of the Greek contingent of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) allows for security, peace, and stability, which is absolutely necessary, Greek National Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said on Thursday, during his visit to KFOR in Pristina.

Dendias added that without Greece’s presence in Kosovo, the Thessaloniki Agenda (on the Western Balkan countries’ accession to the European Union) would be meaningless. The Western Balkans accession isssue “is a diplomatic goal which Greece supports regardless of governments, regardless of parties, regardless of ministers.” In addition, he said, Greece believes that “the accession of Western Balkan states to the EU is a necessary prerequisite to stability and peace in the Balkans,” Dendias underlined.

The Greek defense minister was welcomed to KFOR’s facilities by the mission’s commander, Major General Ozkan Ulutas and high-level officials. Dendias was accompanied by Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, and Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis. They were given a tour of the KFOR premises, and after the minister’s meeting with Major General Ulutas, Dendias visited the Greek force’s housing facilities, where he was welcomed by its commander, Major (Army) Serafim Koutsoblias.

Dendias was also briefed by the Supreme National Representative at KFOR, Lieutenant Colonel Spyridon Mamakos, on KFOR’s mission and action.

Ambassador Eleni Vaikali, head of Greece’s Liaison Office in Pristina, was also present.

At the start of his visit on Thursday, Dendias had a working breakfast with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.