Madam Chairperson,
Mr. High Commissioner,
Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all, I would like to underline on behalf of the Republic of Serbia strong support to the untiring work of the UNHCR, whose contribution is of special significance today, because it is taking place against the backdrop of multiple challenges globally. Conflicts, instability, poverty and a lack of perspective in some regions of the world have led to mass population movements, whose consequences are difficult to predict. I believe that, in such circumstances, it is important that the international community redoubles its efforts to promote human rights and demonstrate solidarity without prejudice and selectivity, with the aim of harmonizing different views and addressing the causes and effects of the crisis. We strongly believe that this issue calls for a global solution, in the spirit of solidarity and joint efforts, for it is not a geographically limited phenomenon, but one of global proportions.

Serbia’s approach in tackling this challenge was humane and responsible, in line with the international standards, relying primarily on its own human and financial resources and in cooperation with United Nations bodies and agencies, and other relevant international and non-governmental organizations. Ever since 2015, refugees and migrants from the Middle East have been staying in Serbia. Following the huge refugee influx, their numbers have now fallen to 3,400. They have arrived from Asia and Africa with an intention, after transiting EU Member States, to continue their journey through Serbia on the way to the developed EU countries. Serbia has made a maximum effort to provide accommodation, food, shoes, clothes, health care and psychological and social support and assistance to all those who on the migration route stay longer on our territory.

For these uprooted people and their children we have also provided education and prepared them in a way to deal with the challenges they will face on their further migration route in the future. We are particularly proud of the humane approach shown by the people of our country, reflecting our collective experience with displacement in the last two decades. I would like to remind you that the process of integration is still underway for more than 300,000 refugees and internally displaced persons from the territory of the former Yugoslavia, while 28,000 persons are still considered to be in protracted displacement, and over 200,000 from Kosovo and Metohija have the status of IDPs. Therefore, we are ready to share our experience on protracted displacement, and to contribute to the global efforts aimed at resolving this issue.

Ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to draw your attention to another serious project being carried out in the Republic of Serbia, with the assistance of the UNHCR as well. Namely, I refer here to the Regional Housing Programme jointly implemented by four countries – R. Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, in cooperation with the European Commission, UNHCR, OSCE and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB). We have put in a lot of effort, from drafting the Programme itself, securing the funding to developing the mechanisms, in order to be able to embark on practical implementation, which is in full swing. A major contribution to this was made by two decades of our experience in solving refugee problems and applying the good practices developed in cooperation with the European Union, UNHCR, OSCE and the Council of Europe Development Bank, to which I express my gratitude on this occasion, and to the donors who together contributed to the success of the Regional Housing Programme.

A simple solution to the refugee problem does not exist. Yet, the Regional Housing Program is proof that a solution can be found if there is a will. That is a very important message, because as I have already mentioned, apart from the refugees from the former Yugoslavia, there are over 200,000 internally displaced persons from Kosovo and Metohija in the Republic, for whom, even 19 years on, conditions for the sustainable return have not been provided. We hope that the period ahead will see a positive development in relation to this issue and that internally displaced persons will be offered some solution by our side, respecting their rights that they must not be deprived of. That is why I expect all of us to do more in finding fair and durable solutions for this population. Successful implementation of the Regional Housing Program gives us all hope that solutions are reachable.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the High Commissioner for Refugees, Mr. Grandi and the UNCHR for their commitment and unflagging work to resolve the current global migrant/refugee crisis, but also for their commitment and perseverance in settling the issue of protracted displacement that is very important for all of us. UNHCR and other international partners can count on Serbia as a reliable partner in meeting this goal in the future.
Thank you.

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First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic had talks today with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Tudor Ulianovschi, on the fringes of the 73rd Session of the UN General Assembly.

In a friendly meeting, the Foreign Ministers of Serbia and Moldova discussed further efforts to promote bilateral cooperation and mutual support at the international level, aiming to safeguard the principle of the respect of territorial integrity and international law.

In this context, the Ministers exchanged views on key issues related to political and economic reforms in Serbia and Moldova.

The Ministers also agreed to exchange high-level visits.

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First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dacic had a meeting today with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn, in the margins of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly Session.

The interlocutors stressed the two countries’ traditionally good and friendly relations, adding that the potential for the development of economic cooperation was in evidence.

The Serbian Foreign Minister updated his Cambodian counterpart on the main political and economic developments in Serbia, and the reforms undertaken by the Serbian Government.

Minister Dacic was thankful for the principled position of Cambodia and for its non-recognition of unilateral acts contrary to the international legal system.

The collocutors agreed that the excellent political relations should result in an improved economic cooperation.

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Mr. Chairman,
Excellencies,
Dear Friends,

It is my great pleasure to attend the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement. My participation in today’s New York Meeting on behalf of Serbia comes at the heels of a string of the meetings the Movement has held in recent years.

I also thank friendly Venezuela for organizing this Meeting.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

My country is proud of the role the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia played in the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement. Serbia, one of Yugoslavia’s successor States, strives to develop relations with the members of the Non-Aligned Movement also in the present-day world and continues to foster close bonds of friendship with their peoples. The Movement’s goals and principles are just as valid today as they were in the past, especially in respect of the need to strengthen multilateralism and the role of the United Nations. This is the all-important message of our Meeting today, all the more so as we continue to confront numerous challenges and inter-connected crises with worldwide consequences, which calls for joint global responses.

The purposes and principles of the United Nations, enshrined in its Charter, are the main pillars of our struggle for peace and a better world. Sovereign equality of States, refrain from the threat or use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, settlement of disputes by peaceful means and respect for diversity underpinned our efforts in the past, just as they do today as we face far-reaching international changes and strive to achieve our basic and most important goal: peace in the world.

We firmly believed that multilateralism is the only path that leads to progress in a world of ever greater interdependence. We also believe that the promotion of the culture of peace and dialogue and the policy of compromise and peaceful coexistence among peoples are the right way to achieve concrete results. Complex conflicts and extremism on the rise that we confront today call on us to strengthen United Nations capacities and work together to create preconditions for sustainable peace and development.

We are well aware of the role played by the Movement and appreciate the consistent efforts it has made to ensure respect for international law and its principles, in particular those of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States and non-interference in their internal affairs. Today, the Movement plays an important role in the process of democratization of international relations and in addressing political, economic, social, cultural and humanitarian issues. Of particular importance are the activities of the Movement in the continuous struggle for equality of States and the promotion of their diverse interests, including the quest for concrete solutions to socio-economic challenges of the developing countries.

The adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is an historic event; this comprehensive vision of global development is a unique opportunity for us to bring about a better future to humankind. Naturally, the Non-Aligned Movement shares this vision and has Serbia in its corner in the pursuit of that goal.

Dear Friends,

Reaching a political solution for Kosovo and Metohija is the national priority of my country. By defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Serbia is defending international law, United Nations Charter and international peace and security at the same time. We are fully committed to peace and the dialogue conducted between Belgrade and Priština with the facilitation of the European Union, as well as to the implementation of its agreements. Our policy is responsible as we strive to protect the interests of our people and promote regional peace and stability.

Esteemed Colleagues,

Since 2010, the Government of my country has successfully implemented the World in Serbia project in an effort to strengthen relations with the members of the Non-Aligned Movement. The project includes programmes designed to sponsor young men and women from the member and observer States of the Non-aligned Movement and develop in that way the bonds of friendship among our peoples and build a better future for us all.

Dear Friends,

Lest you ever doubt, let me reassure you that you can always count on the friendship, goodwill and partnership of Serbia and my personal support.

Thank you.

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