Press release
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Cassis visits OSCE Missions in Belgrade, Pristina and Skopje
- Date:
- Source:
- OSCE Chairpersonship
BERN, 6 November 2026 – OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis visited OSCE Missions in Belgrade, Pristina and Skopje, meeting with Mission heads and staff to acknowledge their work on the ground and reaffirm the OSCE’s commitment to the region.
In Belgrade, Cassis met with Ambassador Marcel Peško, Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, and Mission staff. During his visit, the Transparency and Accountability for Serbia: Key Reforms project, to which Switzerland financially contributes, was signed.
The Chairman-in-Office highlighted the Mission’s work with Serbian institutions and partners to support reforms in areas including democratization, the rule of law, media freedom, security co-operation, and human and minority rights.
In Pristina, Cassis met with Ambassador Gerard McGurk, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, and Mission staff. He commended their commitment to strengthening democratic governance, supporting a transparent judiciary and security sector, and protecting and promoting human and community rights. For more than 25 years, the Mission has worked with institutions and communities to foster trust and dialogue.
In Skopje, Cassis met with Ambassador Kilian Wahl, Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, and Mission staff. He recognized the Mission’s continued work with national institutions and local communities to strengthen the rule of law, improve criminal justice, combat corruption, promote gender equality and support young people. He also highlighted the importance of the OSCE’s longstanding partnership with North Macedonia, built over 30 years, and the Mission’s concrete achievements.
Looking back on his trip, the Chairman-in-Office said that “OSCE field operations are one of the Organization’s greatest strengths. Through their long-term presence, local knowledge and trusted partnerships, the Missions help translate OSCE commitments into practical support, facilitates dialogue and contributes to lasting reforms. Dialogue and co-operation are at the heart of the OSCE and will remain central to Switzerland’s Chairpersonship.”