OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani concludes visit to Serbia

BELGRADE, 25 May 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, concluded a two-day visit to Serbia.

Chairman Osmani met with Prime Minister Ana Brnabić and First Deputy Prime Minister responsible for foreign policy and security and Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić. They discussed the current political climate and the country’s progress on reforms related to democratization, security, media, rule of law, and human rights. Chairman Osmani reaffirmed the OSCE’s strong commitment to its partnership with Serbia and co-operation in key reform areas as well as remaining engaged in the region.

“In South-Eastern Europe, we have common challenges: reconciliation and trust-building, the fight against corruption and climate change. These are the top three priorities for our region,” Osmani said. “The OSCE remains committed to supporting the region and beyond in addressing our common challenges toward building a better future.”

The Chairman also spoke with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Vladimir Orlić, about the Parliament’s work on youth engagement, ethics, gender equality, and environmental issues. In discussions with the Head of the Serbian Delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Sandra Božić, Osmani discussed ways to further strengthen co-operation between Serbia and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Chairman Osmani held a joint meeting with the Minister of Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue, Tomislav Žigmanov, the acting director of the Coordination Body for the Municipalities of Preševo, Bujanovac, and Medveđa, Danijela Nenadić, and the Head of Macedonian National Minority Council and Informal Coordination of National Minority Councils, Borče Veličkovski. They discussed Serbia’s and the OSCE Mission to Serbia’s support to work around human and minority rights, including development of the National Strategy for Human Rights.

“Our motto as the 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship is: ‘It's About People’. This is a key driver behind everything we do as Chair and reflects the importance we attach to people’s rights and social cohesion as part of the path toward improving our societies,” Chairman Osmani said.

Osmani met with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Jan Braathu, and Mission staff, to discuss the Mission’s achievements and ongoing projects. He also had an opportunity to meet with women and national minority police officers trained by the Mission as part of its support to the Women Police Officer’s Network and Vocational Police Association.

During a field visit to Bujanovac, Osmani participated in a roundtable discussion with civil society groups focusing on youth and security issues in the multi-ethnic municipalities of south Serbia.

“Count on us for supporting the voices of young people and youth initiatives that foster dialogue and solidarity with younger generations,” Osmani said. “These efforts have a significant impact on people’s lives and move us toward a more sustainable, secure and stable region.”