OSCE promotes dialogue on energy infrastructure security in Eastern Europe

MINSK, 10 December 2009 - An OSCE expert workshop on security of energy infrastructure in Eastern Europe started in Minsk today.

The workshop is organized by the OSCE Office in Minsk in co-ordination with the Office of the Co-ordinator of the Economic and Environmental Activities and the Foreign Ministry of Belarus. The event brings together experts from specialized organizations, energy-related institutions, companies, representatives of OSCE participating States' Embassies and think-tanks. It follows an OSCE-wide conference on strengthening the energy security dialogue that was held in Bratislava in July.

"We have emphasized the need for co-ordinated strategies involving private-public partnerships in the energy area, especially in the context of the global economic and financial crisis," said Patrice Dreiski, a Special Adviser with the Vienna-based Office of the Co-ordinator of the Economic and Environmental Activities. "Given the geographic scope of the OSCE's activities and its wide participation, the Organization has a comparative advantage in promoting dialogue on energy security challenges."

Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Voronetsky said: "Belarus has traditionally supported the promotion of energy security within the OSCE region. We see it as our priority because of Belarus' strategic location, connecting gas and oil suppliers and consumers. We have repeatedly proven the reliability and safety of Belarusian energy supply routes to Europe, and intend to keep this reputation by maintaining the high level of pipeline transportation services."

"Belarus stands ready to further stimulate broader multilateral efforts in the OSCE area to make use of best practices in ensuring energy security and protecting critical energy infrastructures."

The workshop aims to facilitate the exchange of views on international co-operation to increase reliability and security of energy infrastructure critical to supplier, transit and consumer countries.