President of Kosovo pays homage to Portuguese military

The President of, Vjosa Osmani, was welcomed this Friday by the Portuguese Minister of Defence, João Gomes Cravinho at S. Julião da Barra Fort in Oeiras, where she distinguished the Portuguese Armed Forces in recognition of the Portuguese military services in her country over two decades (1999-2019).

The Portuguese military joined in the NATO peace keeping operation on the ground in 1999, right at the start, known as KFOR (Kosovo Force). At the time, the KFOR mandate was to suspend hostilities, set up a safe environment, ensure public order and coordinate the international civilian presence in the country.

For 20 years, Portugal deployed 6873 troops in this multinational force.

Military who served in this theatre attended the award ceremony this Friday, representing the three branches of the Armed Forces. 

The following also attended: The Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Admiral Silva Ribeiro, The Chief of Navy Staff, Admiral Mendes Calado, the Chief of Army Staff, General Nunes da Fonseca and the Chief of Air Force Staff, General Joaquim Borrego.