Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

They discussed the imminent resumption of the Belgrade-Pristina talks, which the Secretary-General welcomed.

They also discussed the conflict in Ukraine in-depth, with both agreeing on the urgent need for a cease-fire, the protection of civilians as a foremost concern, and a durable political solution to end the conflict. The Secretary-General noted that both himself and the Deputy Secretary-General – who is currently in Munich for the Security Conference – are continuing to engage with key stakeholders in support of a quick end to the violence and the peaceful resolution to the conflict. He also thanked Mr. Dacic for continued efforts of the OSCE toward this end.