MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 DECEMBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE Dear friends, I am pleased to present you with the 44th edition of the MKSF’s newsletter. It was with great joy that I received the news of NATO’s invitation to start talks of accession with Montenegro. This is a direct result of the dedication and rigorous efforts of the Republic of Montenegro, while at the same time it demonstrates an historic achievement for the entire Western Balkan region - an event that marks an important step towards further integration of the region into the Euro- Atlantic family. As we approach the end of the year and get ready for Christmas and the New Years, I want to use this opportunity to thank all of our international friends and partners. Thank you very much for your hard work and efforts this past year; I remain impressed by your dedication, commitment and zeal. This edition of our newsletter is yet another proof of how dynamic, diverse and essential your support and assistance is to Ministry and the KSF. I wish you a festive season and a happy New Year. May it be filled with happiness and success for everyone! Sincerely Yours, Haki Demolli MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 DECEMBER Minister Demolli Participates in the Halifax International Security Forum From the 20th to the 22nd of November, Minister Haki Demolli took part in the 2015 Halifax International Security Forum in Canada. The recent security developments in Europe and Africa, such as the refugee crisis and the fight against ISIS were the main topics at the forum panels in which many senior state officials, diplomats, experts, Parliament members, media editors, and think tank representatives from more than 60 countries took part. Within the framework of the Forum, Minister Demolli had several bilateral meetings to include a meeting with the Minister of National Defence of Canada, Hajrit Sing Sajjan, the US Deputy Secretary of Defence, Robert Work, the Defence Ministers of Albania, Mimi Kodheli and Minister Çeku participates in U.S.-Adriatic Charter Defence Ministerial Conference from the Republic of Macedonia, Zoran Jolevski. At the meetings, Minister Demolli discussed the current security challenges in the region and emphasized the need for an accelerated Euro-Atlantic integration of the Balkan countries. The Halifax International Security Forum is an independent, non-profit organization that is held once a year which is dedicated to global security issues and is based out of Washington, DC. The Forum is organised in cooperation with the Canadian private sector and the Canadian government. 2015 DECEMBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER Minister Demolli Attends Riga Conference In early November Minister Haki Demolli travelled to Latvia to attend the 2105 Riga Conference that took place on the 6th and 7th of November and welcomed over 500 participants from more than 40 countries worldwide. For two days state leaders, experts, academics, and journalists debated the high priority issues for the transatlantic alliance and regional stability: EU role in rise of geo-economics; security challenges in the information age and hybrid warfare; transatlantic relationship as a critical axis of global stability; relations between Russia and the West; and prospects of Eastern Partnership countries. The Riga Conference is an annual meeting of regional and international experts in foreign policy and defence, academics, journalists, and business representatives, promoting the discussion and assessment of issues affecting the transatlantic community. During his stay in Riga, Minister Demolli had a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Defence of Latvia, Raimonds Bergmanis. In the meeting both parties discussed the prospects of further cooperation between both Ministries. Minister Demolli thanked Latvia for its support of highly professional advisors who help Kosovo develop and advance its security sector. The Latvian Minister of Defence expressed strong support to Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and willingness to share Latvia's experience in Euro- Atlantic integration. MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 DECEMBER Chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau Visits Kosovo On the 24th of November, Minister Haki Demolli and the KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, received the Chief of the U.S. National Guard Bureau, General Frank Grass, where they discussed ongoing bilateral cooperation with the United States in the area of security. Minister Demolli spoke to General Grass about the processes regarding the Kosovo Security Force’s transformation to the Kosovo Armed Force which, when accomplished, will conclude the consolidation of the sovereignty of Kosovo. Minister Demolli also used the opportunity to reiterate the appreciation of the People of Kosovo for the support that the United States is and has provided to Kosovo. He also thanked General Grass for the outstanding contributions of the U.S. National Guard, whose members have been a part of KFOR for many years and a strong partner of the professionalization and modernization of the KSF. General Grass expressed the support of the U.S. National Guard for the transformation of the KSF to the Kosovo Armed Forces and for Kosovo’s membership in NATO. At the meeting General Rama pointed out that the State Partnership Program with the Iowa National Guard has been very helpful for the KSF as it helps build up the needed capacities to become a professional and capable force. About 15,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen have served with KFOR since 2003; the Iowa National Guard alone has deployed more than 800 members to KFOR. The Iowa National Guard is also providing two officers to advise and assist the Ministry for Kosovo Security Force. 2015 DECEMBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER Minister Demolli Meets with the Hungarian Minister of Defence On the 26th of November, Minister Haki Demolli hosted the Hungarian Minister of Defense, Istvan Simicsko, during a visit to the Ministry of KSF. Minister Demolli welcomed the Hungarian Defense Minister for the first time to the MKSF and thanked him for the Hungarian contributions to Kosovo as a member of KFOR. The Minister also expressed his gratitude for Hungary’s willingness to formalize the cooperation with Kosovo in the security area through the signing of the bilateral security cooperation agreement. Minister Demolli informed his counterpart about the KSF transformation process into Kosovo Armed Forces, pointing out that the entire transformation process will be gradual, transparent and done in cooperation with Kosovo’s strategic partners. “Kosovo Armed Forces will be a defense force that will contribute to peace in the country and the region, a force that belongs equally to all citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,” stressed Minister Demolli. Minister Simicsko appreciated the progress made in strengthening KSF’s capabilities and assured the full support of Hungary for KSF’s further professionalization. “Hungary is willing to support the KSF with training and education, as well as in other areas of common interest,” said Minister Simicsko. MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 DECEMBER KSF Commander Visits the Army of the Republic of Macedonia On the 26th of November, the KSF Commander, Lieutenant General Rrahman Rama, paid an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia where he met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM), Major General Metodija Velickovski. General Velickovski commended the constructive and pragmatic cooperation between the ARM and the KSF that covers a wide range of fields of cooperation which, to name a few, are crisis management exercises, cadet summer camp in Krivolak, courses at the Regional Training Centre for Public Affairs and Military Medical Center, expert talks, consultations and workshops. General Rama expressed his satisfaction with the very dynamic cooperation and pointed out that the experience of the ARM, acquired in international peacekeeping operations, is much needed for the KSF because Kosovo’s aspiration is to become security provider and give its contribution to ensuring peace and stability in the world. General Rama thanked General Velickovski for the opportunity to educate KSF personnel in the Military Academy “Mihajlo Apostolski” which is currently schooling 11 representatives from the KSF. General Rama Visiting the General Staff, the KSF delegation also met with the Deputy Defense Minister, Iljmi Selami. The official visit was rounded off with the introduction of the capacities and possibilities of training at the Center for pilot training in the "Straso Pindzur" in Petrovac. 2015 DECEMBER MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER KSF Marks “Force Day” On the 27th of November, the KSF marked “Force Day”, which is the anniversary of the establishment of the Kosovo Security Force. The main ceremony was held at the Land Forces Command in Pristina and was attended by the President of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, MKSF and KSF senior leadership, diplomatic corps, bilateral partners and citizens of Kosovo. During her visit to the Land Force Command, President Jahjaga stated that the KSF is prepared to be transformed to a Kosovo Armed Force. “We are in the process of furthering the transformation of the KSF which we expect to happen soon. Throughout the day all KSF barracks in Pristina, Mitrovica, Istog, Gjilan, Prizren, Ferizaj and Pomozotin were open to citizens for display of the EOD, Search and Rescue, and medical equipment. They were also able to familiarize themselves with the KSF vehicles, armament and uniforms and to enjoy a warm cup of tea as they listened to the KSF Orchestra. MINISTRY FOR THE KOSOVO SECURITY FORCE NEWSLETTER 2015 DECEMBER US Marine Forces Europe Provide Company Level Tactical Planning Course th th From the 10 to the 12 of November, three subject matter experts from the United States Marine Forces Europe (MARFOREUR) presented and exchanged information with the KSF on Operations Planning and Coordination; Intelligence Integration and Military Decision Making Process at the tactical (Company) level.