Constructive dialogue and continued respect for the internationally recognised borders is the best way forward for the stability and security in the region, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday, adding that speculations about border changes will only add to the uncertainty.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting with President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski in Brussels, Stoltenberg briefly commented on the recent media reports about alleged non-paper containing ideas of the change of borders in the Western Balkans.

“Any speculations about changing borders will only add to the uncertainty and create instability in the region. So I think any speculation about that is not helpful,” he said.

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“What matters for NATO is the stability and security in Western Balkans; it is, of course, important for the region but also important for peace and stability in Europe,” he added.

Stoltenberg noted that the alliance will continue to work with its members and partners for peace and stability in the region.

“NATO strongly supports stability in the region in different ways, working closely with partners in the region but also through our open-door policy. We have to remember that there are many NATO allies in the region and over the last few years NATO had the privilege of welcoming two more countries in the region as full members of the alliance, first Montenegro and last year North Macedonia. So we will continue to work for the peace and stability with our partners and members in the region,” he added.