Regional security co-operation focus of OSCE Chairman-in-Office visit to South-Eastern Europe

WARSAW/VIENNA, 16 July 2022 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Poland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau, concluded his visit to South-Eastern Europe.

In Belgrade, the OSCE’s Chairman-in-Office discussed cooperation and security issues with President Aleksandar Vučić, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and Foreign Minister Nikola Selaković, as well as with representatives of civil society.

“My visit has coincided with serious security challenges the OSCE region is now facing. Over the past few years, we have witnessed a gradual decline in the feeling of commitment to the values that have shaped our Organization,” said Minister Rau. “I am pleased that Serbia shares the OSCE’s understanding of fundamental values and respects them.”

Minister Rau also met with the OSCE Mission’s Head of Field Operation, Ambassador Jan Braathu, and its staff. He thanked the Mission’s work in supporting Serbia’s reform process. The Chairman of the OSCE underlined special efforts made to integrate national minorities.

During his visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Minister Rau met with Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Deputy Foreign Minister Josip Brkić, the representatives of the Collegium of both chambers of parliament, the international community, and the Central Election Commission, as well as civil society activists and the staff of the OSCE’s Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, including its Head, Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec.

Minister Rau called on the representatives of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina to enhance internal dialogue and intensify efforts to build a stable state. He reiterated OSCE’s support for reforms, including those of the election system and in rule of law, and encouraged all sides to engage in inclusive and transparent election reform.

“At this political stage, the fate of the reform process is in the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina itself. It is you who know best what solutions are good and feasible under current circumstances. The OSCE is here to help your country through the process. I want to reaffirm the Organization’s full support and the Mission’s readiness to provide any assistance and expert consultations to enhance security, stability, and prosperity of the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Minister Rau during talks in the parliament.

In Pristina, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office met with President Vjosa Osmani, Speaker of the Assembly Glauk Konjufca, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz, Minister for Communities and Returns Goran Rakić and the Central Election Commission.    

“The purpose of my visit to Pristina has been to meet the institutional leaders, partners of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and get first-hand information on the ongoing reforms in the fields of the judicial system, fight against corruption, enhancing media freedom, and advancing much- needed electoral reforms,” said OSCE Chairman-in-Office. “I was also pleased to hear from the Head of OSCE Mission, Ambassador Michael Davenport and from my interlocutors about important OSCE work to support and advance the rights of non-majority communities.” 

 “Through its field operations, the OSCE contributes to the further development of a democratic and multi-ethnic society. I sincerely hope that this will also lead to fostering stability and reconciliation in South-Eastern Europe,” stated Minister Rau.