Libya applies to become OSCE partner

Libyan Foreign Minister, Mohamed Imhammed Abdul-Aziz submitted his country's application to become an OSCE Partner for Co-operation during the Security Days conference in Vienna on 17 June 2013.

Welcoming the application, OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said: “The security of OSCE participating States is inextricably linked to that of our neighbours. I welcome Libya’s initiative, which recognizes the mutual benefit of stronger co-operation between our regions. The OSCE has a wealth of experience and expertise to share with Libya as it builds a new future.”

Following a formal application, the partnership will be subject to a consensus decision of the 57 OSCE participating States.

If successful, Libya would become the twelfth OSCE partner, joining Mediterranean Partners Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia. The Asian Partners grouping includes Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand.

OSCE participating States and Partners maintain regular dialogue to share information about relevant developments, identify areas of common concern and generate ideas on jointly addressing security challenges.