Strengthening co-operation between regional organizations, support to Afghanistan focus of OSCE meeting in Thailand

CHAING MAI, Thailand, 13 February 2012 – Building synergies between regional organizations and further engagement with OSCE partner countries to tackle shared security threats, including those emanating from Afghanistan, is the focus of a two-day OSCE conference that opened today in Chaing Mai.

The event, which brings together some 100 participants from the 56 OSCE participating States and the six Asian OSCE Partners for Co-operation, will address confidence- and security-building measures, co-operation in addressing transnational threats, strengthening regional security through dialogue and co-operation for the promotion of sustainable transport and energy security.

Lamberto Zannier, the Secretary General of the OSCE, emphasizing that partnership is “a two-way street” said that “while not all security challenges can be prevented, a co-ordinated response is essential. OSCE participating States can learn from partner countries in this regard.”  He added that “the Partnership provides a valuable framework for identifying emerging threats, co-ordinating responses, fostering synergies and exchanging best practices and lessons learned.”

Chalermpol Thanchitt, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand's Foreign Ministry, citing climate change, environmental and social sustainability, economic and financial stability, terrorism, and organized crime said: “The international community needs to co-operate and overcome these challenges by deepening and widening international co-operation: deepening co-operation between regional security organizations in Europe and Asia on the extensive range of security issues.”

Evaldas Ignatavičius, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, highlighted the emphasis of Lithuania’s 2012 Chairmanship of the OSCE Contact Group with the Asian Partners for Co-operation on “exchanging views on current issues vis-à-vis the Eurasian, Euro-Atlantic and Asia-Pacific security architecture.” As well as encouraging the participation of civil society and academics on such discussions, he outlined a series of planned activities following the decision at the Vilnius OSCE Ministerial Council last December to strengthen engagement with Afghanistan.

Ambassador Eoin O’Leary, the Permanent Representative of Ireland to the OSCE, speaking on behalf of Ireland’s 2012 OSCE Chairmanship, added: “As the international military presence gradually reduces and responsibilities are transferred to the hands of the Afghan Government, the international community should intensify and better co-ordinate its support for a secure, stable, prosperous and democratic Afghanistan.”

Participants will also exchange experiences in protecting and promoting human rights, rule of law and democracy at the national and regional levels.

The OSCE’s Asian Partners for Co-operation are Australia, Afghanistan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Thailand.