Minister Dacic confers with High Commissioner Grandi

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic met today with High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, on the fringes of the 74th session of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

Minister Dacic expressed gratitude for the constructive cooperation and support extended by the Office of the High Commissioner, voicing hope that the successful cooperation would continue in the future.

He pointed out the necessity of continuing cooperation and UNHCR support when it comes to the provision of long-term care to displaced persons in the Republic of Serbia, both refugees from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, and internally displaced persons from Kosovo and Metohija, as well as providing protection to all categories of displaced persons.

He emphasized the importance of good and successful cooperation carried out with UNHCR in the implementation of the Regional Housing Programme (RHP) in the Republic of Serbia and the region, which was completed in June this year.

High Commissioner Grandi expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the Regional Housing Programme, assessing it as a very good example of cooperation in resolving the protracted refugee crisis.

He pointed out that both UNHCR and him personally would make additional efforts and continue good cooperation with Serbia in terms of promoting the rights and position of refugees, internally displaced persons and migrants on the territory of the Republic of Serbia.

He commended Serbia's efforts in lending selfless support in the provision of care to refugees and migrants moving along the so-called Balkan route. Grandi expressed his willingness to continue cooperation in finding sustainable solutions for all displaced persons.

Minister Dacic invited High Commissioner Grandi to pay a visit to Serbia.