Margareta Cederfelt received by Igor Janushev and Talat Xhaferi at North Macedonia's parliament, 14 November 2022SKOPJE, 15 November 2022 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Margareta Cederfelt (Sweden) and Secretary General Roberto Montella have completed a visit to North Macedonia, meeting with high-level representatives to discuss areas where the 2023 OSCE Chairmanship of North Macedonia and the OSCE PA can co-operate and build upon each other’s remits.
Over the past two days, Cederfelt and Montella met with the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and incoming Chairman-in-Office, Bujar Osmani. Meetings were also held with President of the Assembly of North Macedonia, Talat Xhaferi, as well as members of North Macedonia’s Delegation to the OSCE PA, headed by Igor Janushev.
Cederfelt and Montella commended North Macedonia for assuming the responsibility of chairing the OSCE during turbulent times and expressed appreciation for the role of North Macedonia’s parliament in supporting the OSCE Chairmanship and actively participating in OSCE PA meetings and activities.
“It is both an honor and a great responsibility to lead the largest regional security organization in the world,” Cederfelt said today. “The challenging times with the war in Ukraine require unity and co-operation between OSCE participating States and OSCE institutions. During North Macedonia’s leadership in 2023, Skopje can count on the OSCE PA. I look forward to deepening our co-operation and working together on areas of common concern.”
The PA leaders also highlighted the work of the OSCE Mission to Skopje as crucial, with Cederfelt and Montella congratulating the outgoing Head of Mission, Amb. Clemens Koja, for the achievements of the mission during his tenure.
“We thank Ambassador Koja both for taking the time to meet with us during his final week in his role as Head of the OSCE Mission and for the accomplishments that have been achieved under his leadership,” said Secretary General Montella. “The work of this mission demonstrates the enduring importance of multilateral engagement during difficult times. As both a leader of the OSCE and a beneficiary of OSCE assistance, North Macedonia is a powerful reminder of the value of not only OSCE field activities, but more broadly the enduring relevance of the organization.”
In discussions, President Cederfelt emphasized the role of parliamentary dimension in the OSCE, particularly the facilitation of inter-parliamentary dialogue to advance the OSCE’s goals of comprehensive security. The situation in the Western Balkans was highlighted as a priority, with the commitment to the region exemplified by the work of the OSCE PA’s Special Representative for South East Europe.
The sides also discussed the priorities of North Macedonia’s Chairmanship in 2023, in particular safeguarding the fundamental principles of the OSCE, implementing the commitments made by all participating States, and rebuilding stability by restoring dialogue. Russia’s war against Ukraine also featured prominently in discussions.
For photos of the visit to Skopje, please click here.
