In 2011, the UN implemented in Serbia projects worth more than $ 100 million in three strategic areas of cooperation – strengthening of governance, promotion of sustainable development, and strengthening of regional stability and cooperation, reads the annual UN report, presented by Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic and UN Coordinator in Serbia William Infante in Belgrade. Sandra Pekic has more.
Jeremic said that in 2011, the substantial achievements were especially made in areas related to economic growth, employment, poverty reduction, and social inclusion. "Serbia is a very active member of the UN, and its engagement is particularly evident in the Alliance of Civilizations, Jeremic said adding that Serbia will host the Alliance Ministerial Meeting this year.”Also, the position of Serbia in the UN was confirmed by entrusting it to chair the 67th session of the UN General Assembly," the Serbian Foreign Minister stated.
While presenting the report, UN Coordinator in Serbia William Infante said that Belgrade has made great achievements in the field of human rights, social inclusion, and promotion of regional security. Stressing that last year the United Nations implemented in Serbia projects worth more than $ 100 million, Infante said he expects the number of projects will double in 2012.
Pointing out that the election of Vuk Jeremic as the chair of the UN General Assembly of the UN irrevocable, Infante said that it is a great honor for Serbia and recognition of its international role. The UN General Assembly chairman has an important and powerful position, and, as he said, influence on international events. He expressed hope that in New York, Jeremic will continue to promote the goals on which the UN and Serbia jointly worked in the past. Jeremic stated that all the calculations regarding the costs of his chairmanship of the UN General Assembly will be made based on the Foreign Ministry regulations applicable to the Serbian diplomats accredited to the United States. He added that the decision on the budget will be made by the future Serbian government.
Commenting on the announcement of the UN Secretary-General visit to Serbia, Vuk Jeremic said that Ban Ki-moon is welcome to visit any part of Serbia, including Kosovo and Metohija, which is under the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 an integral part of Serbia. Ban Ki-moon’s visit will be a significant event because it will show that the region is of strategic importance for European stability, Jeremic said. Answering a journalist’s question on Leon Kojen as his successor and the next foreign minister of Serbia, Vuk Jeremic said that it would probably be the best solution, adding that he holds Professor Kojen in high regard both professionally and personally.