Pristina - The United States will continue to take part in the international peacekeeping mission in Kosovo regardless of the outcome of its presidential election, NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer said on Tuesday.

"Regardless who the winner of the elections will be, I don't expect any change regarding United States policy towards Afghanistan and Kosovo," he said in Pristina after meeting with Kosovo officials.

He added that NATO will serve as a guarantee of Kosovo's security and that it will help to building civil control of Kosovo security forces and its defence ministry.

De Hoop Scheffer arrived for a brief visit to Kosovo, a day before the arrival of British Foreign Secretary David Miliband for a first visit by a representative of a major Western power since Kosovo declared independence in February.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia after years of international supervision. International forces remain in Kosovo for time being to preserve peace between the Albanian majority and Serbian minority. (dpa)