OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation Angelino Alfano visits OSCE Mission to Serbia

BELGRADE, 27 February 2018 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Angelino Alfano visited today in Belgrade the OSCE Mission to Serbia and discussed with the Head of Mission, Andrea Orizio, and his staff their ongoing work.

“OSCE field operations are important tools to assist host countries in their reform processes. Serbia’s excellent co-operation with the OSCE Mission will allow the country to continue benefiting from the OSCE’s expertise and assistance in such crucial fields as the rule of law, security sector reform and media freedom,” said Alfano. 

Alfano, who is also in the country to discuss regional issues, said: “The future of this region depends largely on countries overcoming the legacy of the past and developing co-operative relationships, aided by new, positive narratives. The OSCE is playing an important role in complementing ongoing efforts in this direction through concrete activities.”

Following a briefing on the Mission’s activities to foster connectivity among youth in Serbia and Albania and improve mutual understanding through exchanges between journalists from the two countries, Alfano underscored that empowering youth, promoting people-to-people contacts and developing constructive narratives in the media play a decisive role for the future of the region.

Head of Mission Orizio highlighted the Mission’s commitment to supporting reforms and regional co-operation. “The OSCE Mission to Serbia will continue to foster youth engagement and dialogue between different communities, and to work in partnership with the host country to advance the effective implementation and long-term sustainability of reforms based on the principle of local ownership,” he said.