Skopje, 13 November 2023 (MIA) – With the establishment of the OSCE Expert Network, North Macedonia’s Chairpersonship of the OSCE has set another milestone in the establishment of relations with civil society, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani at an event Monday organized within the frameworks of the country’s OSCE Chairpersonship.

“The network,” said Osmani, “aims to examine the numerous dynamic trends in cooperation in the field of security in Europe and the key role played by organizations like the OSCE and think-tanks in the creation of policies in this critical domain.”

The Foreign Minister said the participants in the OSCE Expert Network will focus on several issues that affect security, such as cyber threats and attacks, and enhancing readiness for an adequate response.

“This means strengthening infrastructure, communication networks and response mechanisms to various types of threats, regardless if they are a product of natural disasters, cyber-attacks or hybrid war,” said Osmani.

According to Osmani, OSCE cannot do this by itself, which is why it largely cooperates and relies on the experience and expertise of think-tanks.

“Think-tanks serve as independent guardians, offering assessments of the effectiveness and impact of OSCE’s policies and initiatives. OSCE is an open and transparent organization, it values each opinion and listens to all affected parties. The cooperation between think-tanks and OSCE through this expert network, as well as concrete research projects or initiatives will be proof for the relationship between the two. This partnership will improve the quality and depth of the analyses presented to the participating countries and various bodies, it will improve policies and increase the level of research, while ultimately improving the lives of citizens as well,” said Osmani.

As part of North Macedonia’s Chairpersonship of the OSCE, Osmani appointed Andreja Stojkovski as a Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office on Civil Society.

The two-day meeting of the OSCE Expert Network will be attended by numerous representatives of OSCE partner organizations and think-tanks.

Photo: MFA