Mr Chair,
We thank His Excellency Mr. Osmani for outlining the priorities for the Chairmanship in 2023. We congratulate him with this position, and we are grateful to the Government of North Macedonia for assuming this position at this challenging time. Norway supports the priorities presented to us.
The ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine will have immense and long-term influence on security in the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond. We therefore agree with the CiO in focusing on the fundamental principles of the Helsinki Final Act and the OSCE’s critical importance on the ground. We must do everything in our power to restore peace in Ukraine.
Regional instability and the potential for new crises require the attention of the Chairpersonship, and conflict prevention and management in the OSCE region must rest firmly at the top of the agenda. Women should be granted full and meaningful participation in this work. It is important that we make full use of the tools at hand. This can only be achieved through sufficient political will by all participating States.
The comprehensive concept of security should guide us, and there is a strong need to work in all three dimensions in parallel. It is very important to restore respect for commitments in the political-military dimension. However, we have seen how war and conflict influence economy and environment far beyond the conflict zone. We have also seen all too clearly over the last year how internal oppression leads to external aggression.
Mr. Chair,
Norway will support the CIO in its efforts to reach decisions in a timely and effective manner and urges all other participating States to do the same. As a starting point and to enable the organization, we must agree on the budgetary resources needed for 2023 as soon as possible. Norway is willing to invest, politically and financially, in this organisation and its strukctures, and hope to see a constructive attitude from all of you. We cannot allow our organization, comprising 57 states, to be undermined through unilateral interests of one or other individual State.
Mr. Chair,
We noted with pleasure the motto in the chairpersonship logo of North Macedonia; It’s about people. Indeed, that is why we are here – for the people. Let us keep this in mind. We are here to provide for a secure, stable, and prosperous development to the benefit of all people, built on our principles and commitments, in the whole OSCE region.
In closing, Mr. Chair, allow me to wish Foreign Minister Osmani, ambassador Djundev and the Chairpersonship team of North Macedonia the best of luck. You have Norway’s full support.