Thank you Chair,
Norway fully aligns with the statement of the European Union. Allow me, however, to make a few remarks in my national capacity. Norway warmly welcomes Federal Councellor Ignazio Cassis, and thank him for outlining the priorities for the 2026 Swiss Chairpersonship. We fully support these, as well as your vision and commitment. At a time when the very foundations of European security are undermined by Russia’s brutal and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Switzerland’s principled approach is key.
We commend, in particular, Switzerland’s focus on a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, on defending the Helsinki principles and international law, on strengthening inclusive multilateral diplomacy, and on mobilizing science and technology for cooperative security. These are not only timely priorities, but essential ones if the OSCE is to remain relevant in the future.
We also share Switzerland’s emphasis on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law as indispensable pillars of lasting peace. A stronger OSCE will require safeguarding these values, while at the same time ensuring that the Organization has the financial and institutional capacity to deliver on its mandates.
Let me also express our gratitude for the trust shown in Norway by entrusting us to chair the Structured Dialogue in 2026, a responsibility we take very seriously. Our ambition is to foster reflection on how we in the future can strengthen possible verification, and explore practical ways of managing interstate risk – even under conditions of deep mistrust.
Norway looks forward to working with Switzerland in 2026 to advance these shared goals.
I thank you.