Stressing OSCE commitments to the country and its people, Dacic emphasized the importance of improved inter-ethnic relations, implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement, strengthening of the rule of law and of reforms in various areas the Mission participates in and supports. The Government’s Strategy on Integrated Education and its significance for inter-ethnic relations were also discussed during the visit.
Dačić commended the work of the Mission to Skopje, its valuable support to the Government in implementing democratic reforms. “Serbia knows first-hand the value of an OSCE field mission, the support and advice it offers in reform processes and in integrating national and ethnic minorities in public life. The engagement of the OSCE should be fully utilized”.
Countries of the region should continue to promote mutual co-operation and strengthen inter-ethnic relations in South East Europe, said Dacic. “Improving living conditions in the region is a goal we all share. Rebuilding trust and confidence with the aim of creating a positive agenda for the future is the main theme of the Serbian
Chairmanship. We must continue to strengthen mutual respect, trust and understanding. Respect for human rights, tolerance and non-discrimination remains high on our agenda”, said Dacic.
Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Ralf Breth, said: “The Mission fully supports efforts aiming at smooth implementation of needed reforms, paving the country’s road towards Euro-Atlantic structures. The commitments arising from the Ohrid Framework Agreement remain at the core of the Mission’s mandate and activity”.
During the visit Dacic met with President Gjorge Ivanov, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, Deputy Prime Minister Musa Xhaferi, Foreign Affairs Minister Nikola Poposki and Education and Science Minister Abdilaqim Ademi.
The OSCE Mission to Skopje is the third OSCE field operation OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Dacic visited. Plans have been made to visit other OSCE field operations in the Western Balkans as well.