"This is a time of great opportunity for Kosovo and for this region. I encourage all the leaders and the people from all communities to continue on the path of reconciliation and dialogue," the Secretary General said.
He met with met Prime Minister Hashim Thaci and representatives of international organisations in Kosovo, once again supporting an agreement on normalising relations between Belgrade and Pristina.
"This agreement offers the hope of a better life, and a better future, for people across this region. It is vital to make sure that the agreement is duly implemented... The future of this region lies in... moving closer to European integration. Today we see that local institutions are increasingly capable, and we welcome that," said Rasmussen.
He made clear that NATO and KFOR would continue to guarantee security in Kosovo and deal with any attempts to undermine the progress that has been made.
"We will continue to work closely with the local institutions, the European Union, the United Nations and other international organisations, to help develop a stable, democratic, multi-ethnic and peaceful Kosovo," he said.
After meeting with Rasmussen, Thaci said Kosovo was willing to meet the commitments from the agreement with Serbia in time, and that Serbia should continue to implement the agreement as Kosovo did, Serbia's Beta news agency reported.