OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Linde concludes visit to North Macedonia

SKOPJE, 22 June 2021 — OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Ann Linde concluded a visit to North Macedonia. She commended the country’s reform-oriented agenda, which focuses on fighting organized crime and corruption, promoting media freedom and fostering social cohesion.

“The country has made significant progress in passing key reform legislation in recent years,” said Linde. “Implementing reforms is hard and I encourage the Government to focus on completing the reform agenda. North Macedonia’s commitment so far demonstrates political responsibility and maturity,” Linde said.

During her visit, Linde met with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani. She also met with the Parliament and representatives of civil society.

Linde recognized the Government’s focus on accountability and anti-corruption. “Implementation of the new anti-corruption strategy will be vital to ensure transparency and integrity and to restore public trust. The cross-party support for and adoption of the National Strategy for Prevention of Corruption and Conflict of Interest 2021–2025 is commendable. As the first anti-corruption document to be adopted at the highest level, it’s a good start.”

Linde said that the OSCE Mission to Skopje is particularly well-placed to engage in a strong partnership with the Government, political parties, and civil society groups. “The Mission has supported processes to increase accountability, working closely with the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption and local self-government units. The OSCE remains steadfast in its support and stands ready to increase its efforts to strengthen the country’s capabilities in the fight against corruption and organized crime.”

Linde also stressed the importance of fostering good-neighbourly relations — a demonstration of the OSCE’s values and commitments. “The steps the Government has taken so far, on its EU path and regional co-operation, both on legislative reforms as well as implementation, are promising, productive and inspiring for others,” she said.

North Macedonia will hold the 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship. Their role will start on 1 January 2022 when they join the OSCE Troika, a format of co-operation between the present, previous and succeeding Chairpersonships (in 2022, Poland, Sweden and North Macedonia).

“North Macedonia has shown how well diplomacy and conflict resolution can work. The same spirit should inspire the way forward in resolving outstanding challenges, focusing on strategic goals and priority reforms. These strengths put them in a good position to lead the OSCE in 2023 effectively,” said Linde.