The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, concluded a two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
Chairman Osmani held talks with members of the BiH Presidency as well as with the BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković. In the meetings, Osmani discussed the current political climate in the country and the need to continue progressing on reforms in areas such as elections, security, anti-corruption, human rights and reconciliation. Osmani reaffirmed the OSCE's commitment to strong engagement and close co-operation with BiH.
"Bosnia and Herzegovina has made clear progress on consolidating peace and security and strengthening democracy and rule of law over the last 25 years. This cannot be taken for granted and should be defended and deepened," Osmani said. "Constructive dialogue, compromise, and co-operation: these should be the focus of improving the current situation and taking steps to rebuild trust and ensure progress on reforms for people's benefit."
The Chairman also met with members of the Collegium of both chambers of BIH Parliament and members of the Central Election Commission. Their talks focused on the OSCE's role in advocacy for election reform. The OSCE Mission continues to support BiH with strengthening the integrity of the election processes, and the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights has provided recommendations to support BiH's comprehensive election reform.
In addition to meetings with the Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH, Brian Aggeler, and Mission staff, Chairman Osmani donated two vehicles for a Mission-supported demining and trust-building project, which were the result of financial support provided by Germany. The project and its funding are the outcome of a successful inter-municipal co-operation supported by the OSCE among five municipalities in the Majevica area.
Chairman Osmani also met with the mayor of Jablanica, Damir Sabanovic and visited Jablanica's old municipal building (former military barracks) which hosts 17 NGOs. The building will be renovated within a joint project of the OSCE Mission to BiH, EU Delegation, UN and Council of Europe aiming to support municipalities across BiH which implement locally-driven initiatives to build trust and community cohesion. Minister Osmani congratulated Mayor Sabanovic for his commitment to the community and for promoting positive stories in BiH.
While on a field visit to Mostar, Osmani met with the Mayor of Mostar, Mario Kordić, and Municipal Council Speaker, Salem Marić. They spoke about efforts to build a more inclusive and multi-ethnic society and its crucial role in achieving sustainable progress. This included discussing and seeing first-hand the Mission's work supporting these efforts on the ground.
The Chairman's trip also included meetings with civil society representatives from around BiH. These meetings focused on how to foster co-operation and promote tolerance and ways to build trust.
"The motto of North Macedonia's OSCE Chairpersonship is 'It's about people'. That's what is at the heart of the OSCE's work," Osmani said. "Our partnerships on the ground are an important part of how we are helping BiH become stronger, more cohesive and more prosperous for the benefit of people in the country and throughout region."
