OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani concludes visit to Council of Europe

STRASBOURG, 5 July 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani concluded his visit to the Council of Europe today.

In his address to the Council of Europe, OSCE Chairman Osmani laid out the challenges faced in the current, difficult geopolitical climate.

“Today’s democracies are under attack through different ways and means. We face unprecedented security challenges, marked by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This war is a constant hurdle. A limit to all. To multilateralism, to dialogue, to agreement.”

Osmani emphasized that Ukraine remains a key priority for the OSCE Chairpersonship, but added that “at the same time, we attach particular importance to protracted conflicts and regional instabilities across the OSCE region, which are also impacting the lives of people. The OSCE has an important role to play in addressing these challenges. Its toolbox and capacities are beneficial in supporting peace and co-operation.” 

He underscored the differing, yet complementary roles, the OSCE and the Council of Europe play in the European security architecture, and the importance of their values and principles. He cited the tangible impact of the two organizations’ close partnership and the shared priorities of the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia and the Council of Europe Presidency of Latvia to better people’s lives.

“These are the times when we need to reinforce our partnership, missions and values. To work and act together. Our mutual commitment to uphold a rules-based order, while respecting human rights and dignity, is fundamental,” Osmani stressed.

During his visit, the OSCE Chairman also met with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić. They spoke about the OSCE Chairpersonship of North Macedonia and ways to further strengthen co-operation between the two organizations and with the OSCE’s field offices and institutions.

Chairman Osmani also met with the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović. They exchanged views about the challenges of human rights promotion in the given circumstances and the need for reinforced co-operation between the two organizations to this end.

“The OSCE and the Council of Europe share a common goal: the promotion of stability and security on the basis of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights in Europe,” said Osmani. “In unprecedented times like today, our co-operation across our organizations is more essential than ever and working together can help us maximize our positive impact.”