Through its OSCE Presidency, Malta continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting international peace and security, facing significant global challenges experienced by many communities in various regions.
Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Ian Borg, who currently also holds the role of Chair-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for 2024, explained Malta’s Chairmanship of this organization during a meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Friday in New York.
Friday’s debate was a historic moment for Malta, as during April, the country also holds the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council. Therefore, while Minister Borg was presiding over the same Council in other Security Council appointments earlier in the week, in Friday’s meeting he was participating as the Chair-in-Office of the OSCE, representing Malta. As a result, instead of Minister Borg, another Maltese representative, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations Vanessa Frazier, presided over the debate.
Chair-in-Office Ian Borg emphasised our country’s commitment to improving international peace and security in the face of global challenges experienced by people. During his speech, he described Malta’s priorities and strategic responsibilities during its OSCE Presidency for 2024.
Under the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security”, Malta aims to play a more active role in the OSCE during this particular time for Europe and various surrounding regions. Ian Borg emphasised Malta’s unique geographical position to bridge the East and West, Europe and Africa, facilitating dialogue and cooperation for stability and peace.
During his address, the Chair-In-Office notably spoke about the war in Ukraine and condemned the aggression leading to significant suffering in that country, while reaffirming Malta’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also reiterated his determined commitment to the release of illegally detained OSCE Special Monitoring Mission officials.
“Malta’s Presidency will prioritise a robust agenda across the three dimensions of the OSCE. It will ensure comprehensive commitment to women’s rights, peace and security, cyber threats, transnational challenges, and compliance with arms control. In addition, we have initiatives aimed at reducing digital divides, strengthening climate resilience, and enhancing food security,” explained Minister Ian Borg.
Chair-In-Office Borg reaffirmed Malta’s dedication to promoting dialogue and multilateral cooperation as the most sustainable ways to address conflicts around us. He also declared a commitment to furthering media freedom, strengthening journalists’ security, and combating violence against women and human trafficking.
This is aimed not only at addressing immediate security threats but also at building a resilient, secure, and peaceful future for all OSCE member states.
Meanwhile, in New York, Minister Borg also met with Mirjana Spoljaric, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), where he expressed Malta’s support for the humanitarian work of this organisation helping many people suffering due to conflicts, poverty, and other challenges around the world.
