Austrian Foreign Minister Kneissl highlights effective multilateralism during visit to OSCE Secretariat

Vienna, 30 July 2018 –Austrian Federal Minister for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl met today with OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger at the headquarters of the organization in Vienna.

Pointing to the strong partnership between Austria and the OSCE, Kneissl stressed the importance of the OSCE as a valuable platform for dialogue and  effective multilateralism.  She recalled Austria’s Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2017, and its continued active engamenent in the Troika (together with the current and future Chairs, Italy and Slovakia).

Foreign Minister Kneissl expressed her strong support for Secretary General Greminger’s reform agenda which is designed to make the OSCE more “fit for purpose”.  At the same time, she underlined the need for adequate human and financial resources in order for the OSCE to maintain its effectiveness and efficiency.

“In order to guarantee security and stability in the long term, there is no alternative to the path of dialogue. This dialogue will be critical and controversial. But it always has to remain constructive. For Austria, the OSCE is a key partner to that end.” That's why we have to  provide our organization with the means – both personal and material – that it needs. As the OSCE’s host country, we stand by our substantial contribution to the benefit of the people between Vancouver and Vladivostok,” said Kneissl.

Secretary General Greminger thanked Austria for its support as host country of the OSCE and for its longstanding and constructive engagement with the organization. He emphasized his appreciation in particular for Austria’s extra-budgetary contributions, most recently for the establishment of a Strategic Policy Support Unit within his office. The Unit is expected to provide greater support to future OSCE Chairmanships, and greater continuity in the strategic direction of the organization.

“The OSCE is part of what makes Vienna a security hub”, said Greminger.  “We share the approach of Austria and the international organizations based in Vienna that complex challenges require multilateral responses”, said the Secretary General. “Working together is essential, not an extra”, said the Secretary General.

Secretary General Greminger and Minister Kneissl exchanged views on current issues and challenges in the OSCE area including the Western Balkans, conflict prevention, transnational threats, and the OSCE’s response to the crisis in and around Ukraine. They also discussed how to strengthen cooperation between the OSCE and the EU, particularly during Austria’s current EU Council Presidency.