Prime Minister Ana Brnabic assessed today, in a conversation with the newly elected Head of the OSCE Mission to Serbia, Ambassador Jan Braathu, that cooperation with this international organization, since its establishment in Serbia, is an example of good partnership and great support in almost all important reform processes in the country.

Congratulating Ambassador Braathu on his new position, Brnabic thanked the representatives of the OSCE Mission to Serbia for constructive cooperation and support in strengthening institutions and the civil sector, the rule of law, strengthening human and minority rights, and encouraging dialogue at the national and regional levels.

The Prime Minister pointed out that she especially appreciates the role of the OSCE in the field of the media and its participation in the process of adopting the Media Strategy and in the Working Group dealing with the safety of journalists.

The Head of the OSCE Mission said that this area is high on the agenda of the Mission's work and the key to cooperation with institutions, but also with civil society in Serbia.

Brnabic informed the OSCE representative that preparations are underway for the adoption of a national strategy for preventing and combating violence against women in the family and partner relations 2020-2025, as well as the preparation of a draft law on gender equality.

Braathu used the opportunity to congratulate Serbia on the exceptional results and successful implementation of immunisation of its citizens, and he described the donations of vaccines to neighbouring Northern Macedonia and Montenegro as an act of friendship and good cooperation in the region.

The Prime Minister pointed out that she expects that the vaccination process will soon give results, and that the preparation for the production of vaccines in Serbia is important, not only for our citizens, but also for the entire region.

The current situation requires greater cooperation in the region, the Prime Minister said and explained that the protection of citizens and the recovery of the Serbian economy is not possible without strong cooperation with its neighbours and mutual regional support.

Belgrade, 18 February 2021