Statement on the Inaugural Remarks by the OSCE Secretary General

As delivered by chargé d'affaires a.i. Knut-Are Okstad at the Permanent Council, Vienna, 30 January 2025

Mr. Chair,

Norway warmly welcomes Ambassador Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu as the new Secretary General of the OSCE. You assume this pivotal role at a time when European and global security face unprecedented challenges.

Norway remains steadfast in its support for Ukraine and its people as they exercise their inherent right to self-defence against Russia’s ongoing aggression. Again we reiterate our strong call on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release all those arbitrarily and illegally detained, including the three OSCE officials – Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.

Mr. Secretary General, we will support all your efforts to secure the freedom of our OSCE colleagues.

The Istanbul Document of 1999 reaffirmed our dedication to the principles of territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. It emphasized the importance of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law as fundamental components of our security framework.

We stand ready to support your efforts in close cooperation with the Finnish
Chairpersonship and the Troika. This includes defending the European security order, promoting our resilience, and advancing the OSCE’s comprehensive Security approach, which is not just a concept—but a necessity in an era of complex and interconnected security challenges.

Finally, we acknowledge the OSCE’s serious financial challenges. We appreciate your engagement in securing a unified and sustainable budget for 2025, ensuring the Organisation can continue its vital work.

Thank you.