Last Updated on Friday, 12 April, 2024 at 1:29 pm by Andre Camilleri
Minister Borg meets President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and other officials
“Current challenges in the heart of Europe should not overshadow the long way we have already come. Security and peace are not out of reach, and with determined leadership on all sides and with the help of organisations like OSCE, we can continue supporting the required reforms.” This was stated by OSCE Chair-in-Office and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg during a visit in Kosovo.
On Thursday, Minister Borg visited Kosovo to meet political leaders and several OSCE partners and community representatives. He led a delegation of the 2024 Maltese Presidency of OSCE in meetings with President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz.
As it marks 25 years of operations in Kosovo, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) continues to engage communities through different initiatives aimed at fostering peace and security in the region and beyond.
“Through OSCE’s network of field missions, we translate our values and principles into concrete and tangible actions. These efforts lead to meaningful, positive changes that strengthen the resilience and enhance the security of the communities we are dedicated to serve,” Minister Borg said. Since its inception in 1999, the OSCE Mission in Kosovo has been instrumental in developing and enhancing the capabilities of local institutions, while empowering communities towards meaningful political and social engagement.
The Chair-in-Office also reflected on the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and called on political leaders and negotiators to seek common grounds that facilitate positive dialogue. “Our focus remains on fostering unity by building on what brings us together as opposed to what divides us,” stated Minister Borg.
At the OSCE Regional Centre in Gjilan/Gnjilane, the 2024 OSCE Malta Presidency delegation met mayors of different communities who are working to increase inter-municipal cooperation.
Minister Borg also held meetings with youth participants of OSCE educational programmes, as well as representatives of civil society organisations that receive support from OSCE. At the Gracanica Monastery, the Chair-in-Office met Bishop Teodosije (Serbian Orthodox Church) to discuss the importance of freedom of religion for tolerance and non-discrimination among all communities.
Malta began its 12-month Chairmanship of the OSCE in January, under the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security”, after it was selected to head this organisation for the first time in its history, in November 2023.
