The Republic of Serbia welcomes the decision of the OSCE Ministerial Council which came into force today, confirming its 2015 chairmanship in office of one of the most significant international organizations, assembling 56 partipating states from Vancouver to Vladivostok. The same decision also stipulates Swiss chairmanship in 2014, thus fully supporting the consecutive presidencies of Switzerland and Serbia and enabling continuous implementation of the generally accepted priorities.

Obtaining the future OSCE chairmanship represents a significant acknowledgement for our country and will contribute to its further international affirmation. Special significance is being attached to the fact that Serbia will be chairing the OSCE on the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act, which will be a favourable moment to reaffirm its main principles which contributed to developing of cooperation, stability and democracy.

In accordance with the innovative approach, agreed during the preparation of joint candidacy, Serbia will cooperate closely with Switzerland in the course of preparing the joint working plan, coordination of priorities, agendas and modalities of the shared activities, in a transparent, unbiased and objective way.

Receiving the honour of the future OSCE chairmanship is of great significance for our region and its overall progress, strengthening stability and accelerating its European perspective as well.