Skopje – The first Committee meeting under the MARRI Presidency-in-Office by the Republic of Serbia was organised as a hybrid event, on 12 December 2023 in Skopje and it was attended by delegations of all MARRI Participants. Pavle Jankovic, Head of the Department for Regional Initiatives at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, chaired the meeting.
In the welcoming remarks, the Chair emphasized the importance of the topics on the meeting’s agenda, saying that the energy invested by all delegations in resolving the open issues was a positive one, and despite the different standpoints, the positive approach represented progress for all Participants and the Regional Centre. He officially congratulated the newly elected MARRI RC Director Snezana Trajanovska, MSc, and wished her a successful tenure in office.
As per usual practice, Director Trajanovska presented a comprehensive overview of the Centre’s undertakings in the reporting period. Starting with an update on the Participants’ representation in all MARRI bodies, she then briefed about the recently initiated activities, projects and processes, providing an assessment of the Centre’s assets and liabilities. Further, Director Trajanovska offered a general outline of possible structural and administrative makeover of the Regional Centre.
The Committee welcomed the newly appointed Committee members from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Republic of North Macedonia and Kosovo* and expressed appreciation to the Republic of Albania for resuming it representation at MARRI RC. Following its competences, the Committee deliberated over the RC’s existing human resources, legal and financial matters, and provided guidance for the Secretariat. It also encouraged positive change and growth with tailor made approach. Highlighting the vital importance of collaboration and support from the international partners, the Committee encouraged organizational and programme advancement through synergies and joint ventures.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSC 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.