Synergies between OSCE and partners must be further developed, says OSCE Secretary General, in Israel

Advancing new and existing synergies between the OSCE structures, its participating States and Partners for Co-operation was the goal of the official visit to Israel of the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier from 20 to 21 June 2012.

Zannier discussed with President Shimon Peres and with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman the development of the Mediterranean Partnership as a venue for dialogue and fostering concrete co-operation in the region, and how the OSCE and Israel can work together to address common challenges.

He praised Israel’s commitment to the Organization and the country’s contribution to the OSCE activities in such areas as anti-terrorism, combating human trafficking, and tackling economic and environmental problems. Responding to transnational threats, including terrorism, drugs and human trafficking, and water management are fields where the OSCE could strenghten its co-operation and facilitate exchanges of experiences with the Mediterranean Partners.

The Secretary General also met with Director General of the Justice Ministry Guy Rotkopf, Speaker of the Knesset Reuven Rivlin, Public Security Minister Yitzhak Aharonovitch, as well as with Minister of Energy and Water Uzi Landau, the National Security Adviser Yaacov Amidor and senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust History Museum and memorial site, he paid homage to the victims of the holocaust.

He also took part in the Israeli Presidential Conference “Facing tomorrow” where he spoke about the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security and the importance of building a solid partnership with the Mediterranean countries.

Israel is an OSCE Mediterranean Partner for Co-operation which has been associated with the Helsinki process since its inception in 1975.