VIENNA – “Albania will assume the 2020 OSCE Chairmanship inspired by a sense of responsibility and driven by the determination to contribute to the security and stability of our continent and to the prosperity of our people,” said Albanian Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj, as he addressed the Permanent Council on the incoming Chair’s priorities, Radio Free Europe reports.
Albania will take over the OSCE Chair from Slovakia on January 1 2020.
The crisis in Ukraine and the consequences of the 2008 conflict in Georgia will feature high on its agenda.
During the Albanian Chairmanship particular attention will also be given to the role of women in peace processes.
“The Albanian Chairmanship will focus on the worrying reality that women continue to be disproportionally affected by conflicts in the OSCE area”, said Cakaj, adding that situation of women is of concern not only in conflict area, then for all women in region.
The Albanian OSCE Chair will also prioritize the revitalization of dialogue within the Organization.
“Albanian Chair looks forward to using its full potential to increase trust and lay the ground for further OSCE achievements”, Cakaj noted.
Acting Minister Cakaj also highlighted the importance of the fight against corruption and promotion of good governance, promoting the adoption and implementation of measures to combat trafficking in human beings.