Deputy Head of OSCE Mission visits Zenica: Strengthening dialogue and cooperation

(Patria) - Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to BiH Zahid Movlazada visited Zenica where he held meetings with local authorities and representatives of religious communities and civil society.

With this visit, the Mission once again confirmed its commitment to promoting interreligious dialogue, environmental protection, gender equality, and transparent and accountable governance.

At a meeting with representatives of the Committee for Interreligious Cooperation in Zenica, Movlazada emphasized the Mission's long-standing support for peace, mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among religious communities across the country, especially through the important work of the Interreligious Council of BiH.

He also met with Samir Lemeš, President of the Management Board of Eko forum Zenica and the Aarhus Centre, and on that occasion, stressed the important role of local environmental activists and civil society organization activists in preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development.

The focus of the meeting with the Prime Minister of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, Nezir Pivić, was on the Canton's activities in preventing gender-based violence and strengthening measures to combat corruption, which are important steps towards building a more just, accountable, and resilient society.

Finally, during a meeting with the Mayor of Zenica, Fuad Kasumović, the Deputy Head of Mission praised the support for interreligious dialogue and the integration of a gender perspective into community-level work policies.

- Providing support for dialogue, transparency, equality, and environmental protection are not separate goals, but interconnected pillars of a stable, democratic society that serves all citizens of the country.

We want to commend and intend to continue supporting the activities of local partners in Zenica who are actively working to promote these values - said Movlazada.

The OSCE Mission to BiH continues to work on promoting inclusive and constructive dialogue, protecting fundamental rights, and strengthening democratic institutions.