TIRANA, Nov 26/ATA/ Ambassador Terhi Hakala, Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, on Wednesday concluded her official visit to Albania, undertaken with the objective of reinforcing the OSCE’s partnership both within the country and across the wider South-Eastern Europe region.
Whilst in Tirana, Ambassador Hakala met with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Elisa Spiropali, along with representatives of the diplomatic corps and youth civil society organisations.
As part of her visit, she also took the opening floor at the Regional Conference on Online Gender-Based Violence and the Conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.
“‘For the Finnish Chairpersonship, gender equality and inclusion are cross-cutting priorities. This entails strengthening the meaningful participation of civil society, particularly young people and persons with disabilities, in decision-making processes,’ Hakala stated.
The Special Envoy additionally met with the staff of the OSCE Presence in Albania, expressing her appreciation for their many years of work and commitment.
‘I wish to convey my heartfelt gratitude to every member of staff for your steadfast dedication and professionalism. For almost three decades, the Presence has stood as a trustworthy and steaddast partner, assisting the host country in meeting its commitments to the OSCE,’ Hakala said.”
During her meetings with youth organisations, the Ambassador discussed the OSCE’s cooperation with Albania in the areas of the rule of law, democratic institutions, electoral reform, human rights, gender equality, and youth inclusion.
Finland, in its capacity as OSCE Chairperson, has placed particular emphasis on strengthening the role of civil society and promoting inclusiveness, including during the Helsinki+50 Conference held in July to mark the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.
/r.e/sm/
