The Greek minister of national defense, Nikos Dendias, visited Pristina on Thursday, April 16, 2026, holding high-level meetings and touring international and Greek military installations in Kosovo.
The visit began with a working breakfast between Dendias and Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, marking a key diplomatic engagement during the Greek minister’s trip.
Meetings with KFOR leadership
Accompanied by Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff Gen. Dimitrios Choupis and Chief of the Hellenic Army General Staff Lt. Gen. Georgios Kostidis, Dendias then visited the facilities of KFOR, the NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo.
He was received by KFOR commander Maj. Gen. Ozkan Ulutas and senior officers. During the meeting, officials highlighted the professionalism and significant contribution of the Greek contingent, ELDYKO, to KFOR’s mission and operations.
Visit to Greek contingent
Following his meeting with KFOR leadership, Dendias visited the Greek forces stationed in Kosovo. He was welcomed by the commander of ELDYKO, Maj. Serafeim Koutsomplias.
The Greek minister toured the facilities alongside Greece’s top military leadership and was briefed by the senior national representative to KFOR, Lt. Col. Spyridon Mamakos, on the unit’s mission and ongoing activities.
Addressing Greek personnel, Dendias underscored Greece’s long-standing support for the “Thessaloniki Agenda,” a diplomatic initiative backing the European Union integration of the Western Balkans.
“Our country has, for decades, supported the entry of the Western Balkans into the European Union family,” he said, stressing that this policy remains consistent across governments and political parties. He added that lasting peace and stability in the region depend on EU accession.
At the same time, Dendias praised the role of Greek troops on the ground, emphasizing that their presence is essential to maintaining security. He also highlighted the importance of professionalism and operational readiness, noting that “security is not an abstract concept, but a concrete mission,” and that peace is safeguarded not only through declarations but through “seriousness and a credible presence on the ground.”
Dendias concluded by thanking the personnel for representing Greece in what he described as a critical post within the framework of KFOR and NATO.
The visit was also attended by Greece’s head of liaison office in Pristina, Ambassador Eleni Vakali, underscoring Athens’ diplomatic and military engagement in Kosovo.
