Kosovo Wants To Increase NATO Presence In Order To Strengthen Security - Prime Minister

Kosovo intends to increase the presence of NATO military personnel in the republic for the sake of strengthening peace and security in Western Balkans, Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Sunday.

"A significant increase in the number of NATO soldiers and military equipment... will enhance security and peace in Kosovo and throughout the Western Balkans region," Kurti told the German free-to-air broadcaster Welt.

The partially-recognized Republic of Kosovo is currently increasing defense spending and the number of its soldiers and reservists, the prime minister noted.

"An increase in the number of soldiers in the NATO peacekeeping force KFOR (Kosovo Force) will support our defense efforts," Kurti said.