Moldova supports intensified dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina

The Republic of Moldova has called for intensified political dialogue and continued efforts to normalise relations between Belgrade and Pristina through the European Union-facilitated dialogue. This position was expressed by Viorel Cibotaru, Moldova’s Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg and Head of its Mission to NATO, during a meeting of the North Atlantic Council in KFOR format.

The meeting took place on 15 September 2026, bringing together representatives of NATO member states and partner countries contributing to the operation. KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş presented an assessment of the security situation in Kosovo and the mission’s efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment for all communities and freedom of movement, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.

Viorel Cibotaru reaffirmed Moldova’s commitment to continuing its participation in KFOR, to which Moldovan military personnel have contributed without interruption for the past 12 years. The diplomat emphasised that the peaceful settlement of outstanding disputes, with respect for the rights of all communities, remains a key condition for lasting peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

The NATO statement cited in the source material also underlines the strategic importance of the Western Balkans to the Alliance and its continued commitment to security in Kosovo. NATO supports the EU-facilitated dialogue as a mechanism for resolving outstanding issues between Belgrade and Pristina.

Comment by the Institute of Danube Research

Stability in the Western Balkans should be regarded as an important component of security across the wider Danube region, as political tensions can adversely affect cross-border cooperation, investment decisions, and the development of transport and trade links. In this context, Moldova’s support for the negotiating process demonstrates its interest in regional conflict resolution through diplomatic mechanisms.

KFOR’s activities and the EU-facilitated dialogue perform complementary but distinct functions: the international security presence helps prevent escalation, while political negotiations should create the conditions for overcoming disputes. Lasting stabilisation therefore requires not only the maintenance of security but also the consistent implementation of agreements, protection of the rights of all communities, and the restoration of trust between the parties.

For the countries of the Danube region, the practical significance of this process lies in creating a predictable environment for economic cooperation and European integration. Moldova’s participation in the peacekeeping operation also demonstrates how diplomatic support for conflict resolution can be combined with a tangible contribution to regional security.