Meeting with the newly appointed Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia

The President emphasised that the Republic of Serbia supports the work of the Mission in Serbia, with which we have had excellent cooperation since its establishment, based on mutual understanding and partnership. Due to that, for many years now, Serbia has stood out as an example in the OSCE as a model for successful cooperation between the host country and the Mission on the ground.

 

"We particularly appreciate the Mission's support in the comprehensive reform process in Serbia, including expertise in programme areas such as democratisation and the media, the rule of law, strengthening human and minority rights, promoting tolerance and non-discrimination, and security sector governance and reform," said President Vučić and stressed that Serbia supports the further activities of the Mission with the expectation that in the future they will be planned together with the relevant departments and harmonised with the progress and actual needs of the country on its reform path.

 

"Serbia is ready to intensify cooperation between its institutions and the OSCE Mission, to define long-term goals and priorities jointly and through a strategic approach, which would enable focusing of the Mission's capacity to the country's real needs," said President Vučić, adding that at the request of top state officials, the Mission was involved in the process of developing a new Media Strategy, as well as participating in drafting amendments to the Constitution in areas related to the independence of the judiciary.

 

Ambassador Braathu thanked President Vučić for his congratulations on the appointment and pointed out that during his tenure he would insist on a friendly and partnership-based relationship that he aspires to maintain in further cooperation with the authorities in Serbia, paying particular attention to continuing constructive cooperation based on mutual trust to implement reforms in priority areas.

 

Belgrade, 21st January 2021