Secretariat - External Co-operation

OSCE Mediterranean seminars and Asian conferences

The Section for External Co-operation is responsible for organizing the annual OSCE Mediterranean Seminars and the annual Asian conferences, which are part of the ongoing dialogue between the OSCE and its Mediterranean and Asian Partners for Co-operation. These events provide the opportunity for an exchange of views, ideas and suggestions between the participating and the Partner States on the main theme of the event. At the same time, they provide regular stimulus for a discussion on enhancing relations between the OSCE and its Partners for Co-operation.

These seminars and conferences are usually attended by high-level representatives from participating and Partner States. Relevant international organizations, academic institutions and NGOs are also regularly invited to participate, to promote a cross-fertilization of ideas and recommendations.

Recent OSCE conferences in Asia have addressed issues such as: 

• New security threats and a new security paradigm 
• Prevention in the new security circumstances 
• European security mechanisms and security in Asia 
• Human dimension of security

Recent OSCE Mediterranean seminars have concentrated on the following themes: 

• The Role of the OSCE and the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation in Migration and Integration Policies 
• Addressing Threats to Security in the Twenty-first Century 
• The Comprehensive Approach to Security 
• Media and New Technologies 
• Implementation of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Dimension Commitments