Sir Stuart Peach has been appointed by the United Kingdom as its new envoy to the Western Balkans.

UK’s Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said that his appointment shows “Britain’s commitment to the Western Balkans” and to the “defense and promotion of freedom and democracy” in the region.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared that the Western Balkans are in front of “the biggest threat to their stability and security in over two decades,” adding that the UK has a “responsibility” to preserve the progress that has been achieved through dialogue.

Sir Stuart Peach, knighted by The Queen in 2009, is taking the new post after stepping down as Chairman NATO’s Military Committee.

From July 2016 to June 2018, he served as Chief of the Defence Staff of the United Kingdom.

In 2000, he was NATO’s Air Commander in Kosovo.

As he takes in the role of British Special Envoy, Sir Stuart Peach will work with Balkan leaders, state officials, and allies to strengthen regional stability.

A statement released by the British government confirming his appointment also noted that the special envoy will work on supporting the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue mediated by the European Union, and endorse the work of High Representative Christian Schmidt in Bosnia.