Solutions are never found on the battlefield – Ian Borg
“Long-term solutions are never found on the battlefield but through adhering to our commitments and engaging in constructive dialogue conducted in good faith.”
On Sunday, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg addressed the Summit on Peace in Ukraine in his current role as the Chair-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The summit was held in Switzerland, with the participation of the leaders of 100 countries and international organisations. Malta was also represented by the President of the Republic, Myriam Spiteri Debono.
Minister Borg highlighted the OSCE’s role as an inclusive organisation, which provides a platform for dialogue among its 57 participating states, including Ukraine and Russia. He emphasised the organisation’s extensive experience and distinctive conflict management tools, highlighting their adaptability for supporting a peaceful way forward in Ukraine.
“The escalating death toll and the anguish inflicted upon countless families are unacceptable. This is why we stand firmly by Ukraine in this time of crisis and human suffering,” the Minister said, adding that “as the current Chair of the OSCE and an elected member of the UN Security Council, Malta remains committed to our principled approach of urging Russia to withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine and bring its war of aggression to an end.”
Minister Borg reminded that his first visit as OSCE Chair-in-Office was to Kyiv earlier this year, where he reiterated the Organisation’s commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s resilience against the devastating humanitarian consequences of this war.
“As Chair of the OSCE, serving 57 participating states, I reaffirm our determination to support and facilitate a meaningful, result-oriented dialogue to build peace in Ukraine,” he added.
“Now more than ever, we need to return to the OSCE’s founding vision, where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected and where our people can live in true and lasting peace, free from any threat to their security,” Minister Ian Borg appealed.
Malta began its 12-month Chairpersonship of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in January, under the theme “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security”, after it was unanimously elected to head this organisation for the first time in its history in November 2023.
Photos (MFET)
