DVID’S
Staff Sgt. Cody Harding
Italian army Maj. Gen. Salvatore Farina, the commander of Kosovo Forces, pins the NATO medal on a Moroccan contingent soldier during the withdrawal of Moroccan forces ceremony on Camp Novo Selo Jan. 18. The ceremony marks the end of Morocco’s participation in the Kosovo Forces mission after 14 years. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Cody Harding, 4th Public Affairs Detachment)
CAMP NOVO SELO, Kosovo – Since the start of the Kosovo Force mission in 1999, the Moroccan army has worked alongside NATO, the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and other multinational units to provide a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for the citizens of Kosovo.
Now, 14 years and 11,000 troops later, the Moroccan army says farewell to KFOR as it ends its mission with a withdrawal of forces ceremony on Camp Novo Selo Jan. 18.
The ceremony brought together several members of the multinational community, including Delphine Borione, the French ambassador to Kosovo, Italian army Maj. Gen. Salvatore Farina, the commander of KFOR, and U.S. Army Col. David Woods, the Multinational Battle Group – East commander.
At the beginning of his speech, Moroccan army Lt. Col. Hicham Lamrani, the commander of the Moroccan Contingent, thanked the members of KFOR for their support over the years.
“Today we are here to give thanks to you and the values we associate. Brotherhood, solidarity and commitment to humanity,” Lamrani said. “So let me thank you on behalf of the entire Moroccan contingent for your support throughout our stay.”
After his speech, Farina gave a speech on the history of Morocco’s support for Kosovo and KFOR. Though the day could be seen as a sad one, Farina said, he was personally grateful for the work of the Moroccan company.
“We are indeed grateful for the commitment they have shared within KFOR,” said Farina. “Morocco has been long committed to Kosovo and has responded positively to calls from the international community since the beginning to prevent conflict and restore peace and security, here and worldwide.”
After the speech and the awarding of the NATO medal to nine Moroccan soldiers for their outstanding work, the Moroccans served a farewell meal to the partners they have served with in Kosovo.
“My Moroccan friends, you are indeed part of our continued success. You should be proud of this and we are proud of you,” Farina said. “I thank you, everyone, for your devotion to serving your country and us at KFOR NATO and the multinational community. You have truly emphasized the KFOR motto, more together, and we admire your support. You are our KFOR brothers and sisters, and we wish you, the Moroccan armed forces and your country, the best for the future.”
