OTTAWA, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Canadian defense officials announced Friday plans to send troops on a one-year deployment to take part in the NATO peacekeeping mission in Kosovo.

Peter MacKay, Canadian minister of national defense, said Canadian troops are being sent to Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in February, to assist with security efforts as the country transitions to democracy, the Canadian National Defense reported.

"Our government is utilizing the special expertise of the Canadian Forces to make a lasting impact on Kosovo's democratic transition," MacKay said in a statement.

"The Canadian Forces' contribution will provide the Kosovo Force, NATO's second-largest mission, with well-trained and experienced personnel who will make a lasting contribution to Kosovo's future security."