Commander Allied Joint Force Command Naples Mark Fitzgerald on Sept. 1 said that KFOR will continue to preserve peace and stability, adding that this needs to be followed up with economic progress and further development of a free and democratic society in Kosovo.

Attending the ceremonial transfer of the authority of KFOR commander between two German generals, Markus Bentler and Erhard Buehler, the U.S. admiral said NATO will tone down its presence in Kosovo in accordance with the improvement of the security situation.

"I believe our reductions are a clear sign of impressive progress and the trust we were given by the Kosovo leadership," Fitzgerald said, adding that KFOR will remain committed to Kosovo and ensuring the protection of the rights of all its citizens.

Kosovo President Fatmir Sejdiu said that 11 years after the deployment of NATO forces, Kosovo is an important factor of peace and stability in the region, with a clear vision of accession to the EU and NATO as soon as possible.

German Deputy Defense Minister Rudiger Wolf said the change at the helm of KFOR is taking place in a country whose stability is extremely important for the entire region.

Outgoing KFOR commander Markus Bentler said that, despite a conspicuous reduction in size, KFOR is fully capable and ready to deal with any challenge.