Madame Chair,
Norway aligns with the statement of the European Union. Allow however to make a few remarks in my national capacity.
I join previous speakers in congratulating Estonia on their assumption of the FSC chairpersonship. I also thank Secretary General Vseviov for his setting out Estonia’s priorities for this trimester, which we fully support.
We welcome that the Russian aggression against Ukraine once again is on top of our agenda. This should be continued in this Forum until Russia to withdraw its forces from the internationally regocnised territory of Ukraine and comply with its obligations under international law. Norway remains committed to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.
Madame Chair,
Russia’s war of aggression has had a brutal impact on civilians, particular on children. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising the effective protection of society’s most vulnerable group. Consequently, and sadly, the joint PC-FSC session on Protection of children in armed conflict is as relevant as ever.
Madame Chair.
As set out in the preamble of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, our common goal is to enhance security co-operation through the encouragement of norms and substantiation of co-operative behavior. Norway appreciates that this is reflected in the topics for the scheduled Security dialogues in this trimester, and we welcome the particular focus on democratic control of armed and security forces.
Also, the objectives laid out in the Code og Conduct cannot be achieved without the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of security policy decisions and processes, strengthening defence and ensuring resilience, which so timely is included in Estonia’s priorities.
Madame Chair,
Norway reiterates its thanks to Spain for chairing the FSC the last trimester, and to Denmark as it leaves the Troika. We welcome Finland as new member of the Troika and wish Estonia, and you, Ambassador Tael, the best of luck with your chairpersonship. You can count on Norway’s full support and constructive cooperation throughout this trimester.
Thank you.