Skopje, 26 May 2023 (MIA) – The protection of the rights of all communities is of fundamental importance for the stability of Kosovo and the wider region, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on Friday, after his official meeting with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, in Pristina.

In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that at the meeting, Osmani stressed OSCE’s support aimed towards the creation and implementation of reforms in Kosovo.

“OSCE will continue to support the judicial and electoral reforms in Kosovo, including the changes to the electoral code, while Kosovo should make full use of the expertise and resources of the OSCE Mission to upgrade the implementation of reforms, but also in order to boost interethnic relations and security,” stressed Osmani.

At the meeting, Osmani and Kurti also discussed the protection of cultural and religious heritage, which is key in terms of respecting the rights of the communities, as well as OSCE’s support for the EU-led dialogue.

“The EU-led dialogue has a real potential to contribute to the security and stability of the region, but we must also turn to regional cooperation, which is crucial in this aspect. The protection of the rights of all communities is of fundamental importance for the stability of Kosovo and the wider region,” stressed Osmani.

The meeting also focused on the youth, who Osmani said would be key in the implementation and maintaining of the regional priorities of North Macedonia’s OSCE Chairpersonship, which are focused on reconciliation and building trust, anti-corruption and climate change.

The excellent bilateral relations between North Macedonia and Kosovo were hailed at the meeting, as well as the significant results achieved by the OSCE Mission to Kosovo, aimed at long-term support for the country in terms of finding solutions for all urgent issues.

Osmani and Kurti also visited the Academy for Public Safety, where they met with police cadets from minority communities, said the MFA.