The Ministry for Communities and Returns today welcomed the new Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Gerard McGurk, who met for the first time with Minister Nenad Rašić. The meeting was of an introductory nature and took place in a constructive and cooperative atmosphere.

During the discussion, key issues were addressed related to the challenges faced by non-majority communities in Kosovo, as well as the situation of returnees. Minister Rašić informed the Ambassador about the ministry’s current activities and the ongoing challenges in creating sustainable return conditions and enabling the successful integration of communities into the country’s social and institutional life.

Ambassador McGurk expressed great enthusiasm at the beginning of his mandate in Kosovo and emphasized the OSCE’s commitment to supporting the Ministry for Communities and Returns in all areas of its work, including the promotion of equal representation of non-majority communities in public administration, as well as support for the urban return process. He highlighted the importance of close and continuous cooperation, with particular focus on improving conditions for returnees and building an inclusive environment for all communities.

Both parties agreed on the need to maintain open and cooperative dialogue in order to strengthen joint efforts in building an equal and inclusive society for all citizens of Kosovo, regardless of their background.

Minister Rašić thanked Ambassador McGurk for his readiness and commitment, expressing confidence that the cooperation with the OSCE will be fruitful and will directly contribute to advancing the rights of non-majority communities and supporting sustainable returns.