OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid concludes visit to North Macedonia

SKOPJE, 23 October 2021 — OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid concluded her two-day visit to North Macedonia today. She congratulated the country on its 2023 OSCE Chairpersonship and offered full support in preparing for and exercising this important responsibility.

Schmid met with the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani, and Minister of Internal Affairs Oliver Spasovski. “I am encouraged by the Government’s focus on the rule of law, and the fight against organized crime and corruption”, said Schmid. “We will do our utmost to help address existing and emerging challenges, including transnational threats.”

“North Macedonia is a net contributor to regional stability and security, setting a good example for its neighbours and beyond,” said Schmid.

During her visit, Schmid also met with representatives of local civil society and discussed gender based violence, social cohesion, youth engagement, good governance issues and the impact of COVID-19 on the most vulnerable groups of citizens, such as persons with disabilities. “Co-operation with civil society is a key element of the OSCE’s work. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn about existing challenges and discuss how the OSCE can further support in addressing them,” said Schmid.

Schmid also visited the OSCE Field Office in Tetovo, met the staff and discussed the Mission’s field engagement aimed at strengthening inter-ethnic relations and social cohesion.

Clemens Koja, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, who accompanied Schmid, said: ”We at the Mission to Skopje will continue supporting key strategic reforms in the country and look forward to co-operating with the government in preparing for the OSCE Chairpersonship.”