Skopje, 17 May 2023 (MIA) – OSCE and the Council of Europe share values and principles that they have been building for decades – defense of democracy and the achievements of multilateral system which have been undermined by Russia’s military aggression on Ukraine. “United for Europe”, as the name of the session, should be the goal for further action of these two significant organizations guaranteeing the European security architecture, said OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani in his address Wednesday at the closing session of the fourth Summit of the Council of Europe, being held in Reykjavík, Iceland.

"The consequences and costs of this war are unbearable for the whole of Europe, the OSCE region and beyond. However, our choice is to safeguard our shared democratic values and commitments through our indispensable net of principles and achievements, precisely created to defend our future," said Osmani.

The top priority of our work, added Osmani, will be alleviating the suffering of people directly affected by war and conflicts who fear for their lives and livelihoods.

“I am convinced that the OSCE has a lot to offer to all regions within the OSCE space and we will continue to spare no efforts in supporting a functional and flexible OSCE, offering a versatile toolbox to help restore peace and security, prevent conflict and promote cooperation across the OSCE region, as well as upholding human rights and non-discrimination in coordination with the Council of Europe partners on the ground,” said Osmani.

In his address, Osmani touched upon North Macedonia’s benefits from its membership within OSCE and the Council of Europe.

The Foreign Minister said that Chairing OSCE at a time of great challenges means that the country has the capacity to contribute in the promotion of basic freedoms, human rights, democracy and the rule of law.

On the sidelines of the Summit in Reykjavík, Osmani held bilateral meetings with the Swedish Minister of Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström, and the UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and United Nations, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon. The topic of discussion were the issues related to North Macedonia’s OSCE Chairpersonship and other topics related to the functioning of the Organization, said the Ministry.

Photo: MFA