Remarks by Prime Minister Edi Rama in his capacity as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov ahead their meeting in Moscow:

FM Lavrov: Dear Prime Minister, Chairperson-in-Office of OSCE!

We are happy to welcome you and your delegation in the Russian capital. We appreciate your effort to consult with the Russian Federation considering that you will be leading the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe throughout 2020. Needless to say that situation in the global affairs is quite complex, having also an impact on the OSCE. Unfortunately, what gains the upper hand in the OSCE right now is the confrontation rhetoric, as well as efforts to heat the polemics versus the efforts trying to find a comprehensive constructive basis for dialogue.

In such a situation, the Chairperson-in-Office is extremely important and he should and can create the necessary conditions for constructive work and I am happy to know that throughout your public speaking as the Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE you have shown such approach and we will fully support that.

Of course, today we will also have a chance to exchange our bilateral agenda and I believe we will have a fruitful meeting.

PM Rama: Thank Mr. Minister and let me say that I come in Moscow after 15 years since my first visit as Mayor of the capital and this time as Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE and I would start by complementing you all in this city, although I know it is a Mayor work, but the changes are absolutely stunning.

Yes, you are right, we are living in a turbulent time and it is clear that the security in our region is quite fragile. The transnational threats are becoming increasingly complex and intertwined people are suffering. And I think, given that people are suffering we need to take as much as possible everyday our good motives to pushed for sustained dialogue, sincere cooperation and credible efforts to adhere and implement our international commitments.

Let me reiterate what I said since my first remarks as Chairman-in-Office that although OSCE was founded 45 years ago, its principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, human rights, freedoms remain as actual as they were from day one. Considering that putting security and people first, I think we can all try to do more and let’s hope that the best is yet to come.

So, again I thank you for the hospitality and for this opportunity. I know, as everyone knows, that Russia is a key participant in a number of negotiating formats that work to address conflicts in the OSCE area and I come here with trust that you and your splendid country will use your influence in these formats to move as much as possible closer to the so much needed peace. May I conclude these remarks by telling you how much shocked I was while visiting the conflict zone in Donbass and how painful it was to see so many people regardless of their nationality, suffering with no difference of age and needs, people from all over the area struggling to survive the day. So, on behalf of these people I really appeal to everyone to do our best, with us, of course, included as facilitators.

Thank you Mr. Minister!

Thank you everyone!