Statement in response to the report by the Head of the Programme Office in Astana

As delivered by Counsellor Stein Paul Rosenberg at the Permanent Council, Vienna, 25 July 2024

Thank you, Madame Chair.

Norway has aligned with the statement delivered by the European Union. I would, however, like to make some additional remarks in my national capacity.

Dr Frobarth, welcome back to the Permanent Council, and thank you for your comprehensive report. Norway is highly supportive of the work of the OSCE field missions in Central Asia, and greatly values the work of the Programme Office in Astana.

We are pleased that the Programme Office continues to enjoy excellent co-operation with the government institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan. We commend the Programme Office for its achievements in its work to support the government of Kazakhstan in implementing OSCE commitments in all three dimensions.

We are particularly supportive of your efforts to promote gender equality and youth engagement. Work to address sexual and gender-based violence, in particular, is most welcome. We are also pleased to support the Programme Office’s Extra-Budgetary project on supporting the development of effective policies to counter cybercrimes.

In closing, let me once again thank Dr Frobarth and his team for their work. Your dedication is highly valued, and you will continue to have Norway’s full support.

Thank you.