OSCE Secretary General stresses importance of co-operation with EU in meeting with European Commission President in Brussels

OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier, visiting Brussels on 6 and 7 March 2012, discussed with the European Commission President, José Manuel Durão Barroso, co-operation between the EU and the OSCE in addressing current and emerging security challenges in the OSCE region.

Zannier highlighted positive examples of co-operation between the OSCE and the European Union. He highlighted the need to enhance operational co-operation between the two organizations as the OSCE moves to implement decisions of the 2011 Vilnius Ministerial Council, including on promoting long-term peace and stability in and around Afghanistan, effectively combating transnational threats, and addressing challenges related to climate change and security in Eastern Europe, South Caucasus and Central Asia.

During his visit, Zannier also met with other high-level EU officials, including Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle and Deputy Secretary General for the EU External Action Service Helga Schmid, as well as senior representatives of EU member states.

He also had meetings at NATO, including with the Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow, to discuss the potential for deepening co-operation, including on assistance to Afghanistan and efforts to address common transnational threats.