Mr. Chair,
We warmly welcome The Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria Mag. Beate Meinl-Reisinger to the OSCE Permanent Council. Thank you for outlining the Austrian vision for multilateralism and for the OSCE in these times of crisis.
We are grateful to Austrian authorities for taking the responsibility for hosting and supporting the work of the OSCE, providing essential facilities and care for the functioning of this complex and important organization.
The Russian aggression of war in Ukraine has put all aspects of the organization under serious strain. We would like to take the opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the Austrian authorities to upholding multilateralism during a time of deep polarization and significant challenges for the OSCE, and the values we collectively share. At the same time, other pressing issues—such as persistent budgetary challenges—remain critical as we look ahead.
It is more important than ever to safeguard multilateralism, to uphold meaningful dialogue, and to continue strengthening the OSCE as a vital platform for dialogue and cooperation. The importance of effective and dialogue-based multilateral cooperation cannot be overstated.
Norway looks forward to continuing our close cooperation with Austria – bilaterally, within the OSCE, and in other multilateral fora – to uphold the principles that bind us together. We commend Austria’s role, as a participating state and host country, in promoting dialogue, peace, and stability, both within this organization and beyond.
We will look forward to future cooperation and cooperation built on the same values, priorities and core principles of OSCE including commitment, diversity, integrity and accountability.
I thank ou, Mr. Chair.