“Strengthening resilience, enhancing security. This is Malta’s vision for the OSCE Chairpersonship during 2024”, said Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade and the Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE, Ian Borg, during the first session of the Permanent Council of the same organisation in Vienna, Austria.
In the opening speech, Ian Borg reiterated how the trust of the 56 countries, apart from Malta, during this challenging time places a great responsibility on our country to serve with humility and commitment. He further said that Malta’s priorities are based on the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris and are obligations for all participating states of the OSCE.
The first priority of the Maltese Presidency is the unequivocal commitment to continue addressing Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Once again, the Chairperson-in-Office requested the immediate withdrawal of Russia from the entire territory of Ukraine.
Minister Borg explained Malta’s commitment to facilitate dialogue for lasting and sustainable political solutions to other conflicts around the OSCE region, particularly in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. He also promised support for the OSCE field operations by strengthening their capacity to assist the host authorities in the implementation of the principles and commitments of the OSCE.
Safeguarding the functionality of the OSCE and finding solutions for the governance of this organisation is another top priority.
The Chairpersonship of Malta aims to build on the success of North Macedonia to keep the one billion people of the OSCE region at the centre of the initiatives of this organisation. Another goal of Malta is to adopt an inclusive approach by mainstreaming gender and increasing the meaningful involvement of young people in discussions.
Against this background, Malta aims to focus on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda and, at the same time, renew the OSCE initiatives against cyberthreats and transnational challenges and ensure compliance with arms control commitments.
Recognising the interconnectedness of security, economic prosperity, and the environment, Malta will be emphasising to see more inclusion and digital access for all, cooperation on climate resistance, the fight against corruption, and food security.
During his speech, the Chairperson-in-Office, Ian Borg, asked all the participating states to protect human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy, and the rule of law, especially in the upcoming important election year in the European Union and beyond. The minister added that, at a time when the freedom of the media is threatened more than ever, the Chairpersonship of Malta will push forward initiatives on media literacy and the safety of journalists, particularly female journalists. In addition, Malta will actively engage in the fight against violence against women and human trafficking.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Borg affirmed that Malta would undertake to do everything possible to strengthen the resilience of this Organisation and of our people, in search of a secure and peaceful future.
Photo (MFET)
