26 October 2021
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković, talked today at the Annual Meeting of the Heads of OSCE Missions in the Region of Southeast Europe.
Selaković pointed out that Serbia attaches great importance to the field presence of the OSCE, since we have been hosting two field missions in Belgrade and Pristina for two decades.
"We are especially proud of the fact that cooperation with the OSCE Mission to Serbia has been based on partnership since its establishment", Selaković said, adding that cooperation between the OSCE Mission and our institutions has stood out for many years as an example of successful relations between the host country and the mission on the ground.
Also, Selaković pointed out that we support the work of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and Metohija, as a visible international status-neutral presence in the province, which acts in accordance with the mandate based on UNSC Resolution 1244.
Selaković emphasized that Serbia is committed to the improvement of regional cooperation, that it actively contributes to resolving open issues, as well as that it strives to focus on economic cooperation through the "Open Balkans" initiative.
"Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, Serbia has not forgotten that great challenges can be overcome only by solidarity and observing the region as a whole. Our country, guided by humanitarian motives, provided significant quantities of vaccines to neighboring countries that requested such assistance, but it also enabled their citizens to be vaccinated in the Republic of Serbia", the minister pointed out.
Speaking about the importance of the OSCE in the whole of Southeast Europe, Selaković underlined the role of that Organization in supporting the promotion of respect for human rights, the rule of law, but also strengthening confidence in the reconciliation process in the region.
Selaković pointed out the importance that OSCE missions have in supporting reforms on the path to membership in the European Union, but also in strengthening overall cooperation in Southeast Europe.
The Minister assessed that connecting the missions would bring visible results in terms of strengthening the efficiency of their work, and responding to security challenges, such as the migrant crisis or the fight against extremism and radicalization.
"I use this opportunity to encourage all missions in the field in Southeast Europe to improve mutual cooperation, by identifying areas for joint approach and action", the minister concluded his presentation and wished the participants a good discussion.
