Strengthening regional co-operation in Western Balkans one of key 2015 priorities, says OSCE Chairperson Dačić on visit to Mission to Serbia

BELGRADE, 29 January 2015 - OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić’s meetings at the OSCE Mission to Serbia today mark the beginning of his visits to the Organization's field operations aimed at conveying the Chairmanship’s support for their work and activities, as well as highlighting their importance in building democratic institutions, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. It also signifies the importance the Chairmanship places on the region. 

“The Chairmanship of a country from the Western Balkans brings added value to the work of the OSCE, particularly in terms of translating the lessons learned from the region’s experience,” said Dačić. “The Mission to Serbia has certainly played an important role in supporting reform processes in the country. Having first-hand experience of an OSCE Mission’s presence, we shall do our best to promote the benefits it brings through our Chairmanship,” said Dačić, adding that he believes the constructive partnership between Serbia and the OSCE will continue.

Dačić said that regional co-operation is a priority of the Serbian Chairmanship and emphasized the invaluable role of his Special Representative on the Western Balkans, Ambassador Gérard Stoudmann. “The potential of the region and strengthening regional co-operation must be further explored. This process requires additional efforts and we accept the challenge. We shall work closely with OSCE field operations in the Western Balkans, together with the Special Representative, whose common engagement enhances the region’s European integration.”

The Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Peter Burkhard, said that the OSCE Mission to Serbia is honoured to be the first OSCE field operation to have received a visit by the Serbian OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. “The partnership that we enjoy with our host country is a key factor in the implementation of our mandate.  By strengthening democracy, the rule of law and human rights, the OSCE Mission to Serbia and its sister field operations in Southeast Europe contribute to building the foundations for co-operation in the region,” said Burkhard. “I wish to echo the Chairperson-in-Office’s hope that the spirit of partnership between Serbia and the OSCE will remain the hallmark of our relations as we continue to provide our assistance and expertise to the Serbian government and civil society in the reform process." 

“Rebuilding trust and confidence in order to create a positive agenda for the future is the guiding principle of the Serbia Chairmanship,” said Dačić. “Regional security and stability in the Western Balkans and its positive dynamics must be reinforced. We, the region, must join voices and continuously point out the universal values of human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination. It is our duty and responsibility.”

Dačić plans to visit all the OSCE field operations in the Western Balkans region in the near future.