NATO will increase the number of troops in Kosovo if there is an escalation of tensions with neighboring Serbia, said the head of the alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, ahead of the talks between the leaders of the two countries, reports "Euractive".

"We now have a significant mission, a military presence in Kosovo of close to 4.000 soldiers," Jens Stoltenberg said at a press conference after talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Brussels, who was standing by his side.

"If necessary, we will move forces, deploy them where needed and increase our presence. We have already increased our presence in the north. We are ready to do more."

Tensions between Serbia and Kosovo flared this month when Pristina said it would oblige Serbs living in the north, who are backed by Belgrade and do not recognize Kosovo institutions, to start using Pristina-issued car plates.

Vucic and Kurti today in a new round of dialogue in Brussels