Minister Dacic confers with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Foreign Minister of Malta Ian Borg

In an open conversation, views were exchanged about the current situation within the OSCE and the possibility of overcoming the existing challenges through substantive and constructive dialogue, especially regarding the issue of the Organization's budget and the timely appointment of the leadership of independent OSCE institutions.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Dacic reiterated Serbia's readiness to help in reaching a consensus on all issues of importance for the smooth functioning of the Organization, as it had been doing to date.

He welcomed the fact that supporting the work of missions on the ground and strengthening their capacities was also recognized as one of the priorities of the current Maltese Chairpersonship.

In this context, Minister Dacic highlighted the very good decades-long cooperation that Serbia maintained with the OSCE Mission to Serbia, as well as that we greatly appreciated their support in the comprehensive reform process and expertise in programme areas, such as democratization and the media, the rule of law, strengthening of human and minority rights, promotion of tolerance and non-discrimination and reform of the security sector.

Minister Dacic pointed out the necessity of preserving the status-neutral approach of the OSCE regarding Kosovo and Metohija, which needed to be respected, not only during meetings of the Organization, but also in the work of missions on the ground, and especially during the visits of OSCE officials to Pristina.

While noting that he was pleased to have the opportunity to visit Belgrade in his capacity as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister Ian Borg particularly emphasized the excellent cooperation that the OSCE Mission to Serbia maintained so far with the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and also that, as joint activities continue, the OSCE Mission to Serbia would be a reliable partner in the further reform process.

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister Borg, reminded of the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries, which were on the rise, and of the great contribution of the Serbian diaspora living and working in Malta. He also stated that the newly-established direct flight between the two countries further improved the development of tourism and overall economic relations.