Minister, Mr. Chair, Dear Colleagues,
Norway warmly welcomes Armenia as Chair of the Forum for Security Cooperation and the Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ara Aivazian to the Forum. We appreciate the well-balanced program presented today, which pays attention to several important matters within the FSCs scope of work.
Of particular interest to Norway is the security dialogue on transparency in military exercises and activities. We also look forward to sharing of best practices during the 10th annual discussion of the Implementation of the Code of Conduct as well as the Annual discussions at the Security Review Conference.
The Forum for Security Cooperation is an important place for dialogue, for information and for exchange of opinions. It is unique, both in scope and through the states that participate.
Our region is not without conflicts, even armed conflicts with severe consequenses for many participating states and their inhabitants, and with consequenses for our organisation. The resolution of these conflicts is a main priority. At the same time, the FSC and the different working groups were created out of a wish for dialogue and the will to find concensus. I hope these ambitions will be our guiding light also in this work period of the FSC.
The Vienna Document is the main tool within the FSC for practicing transparency and openness. Norway values the possibilities given by this document, allowing the States to discuss matters of their concern. It is important that we all contribute to openness and transparency by fulfilling its paragraphs and intentions - in letter and spirit.
The FSC is responsible for the care of this document, keeping it fit, modern and up to date. Norway will continue to support a substantial update of the Vienna Document.
We wish the Armenian Chairpersonship all the best for the coming work period. You will have Norway’s full support, and we will contribute constructively in your FSC meetings.
We would also like to use this opportunity to thank the previous Chairpersonship USA for a job well done, and for the substantial and important discussions you platformed under your Chairpersonship. Thank you also to Germany for their efforts for the Forum and its tasks the last year and welcome to Austria – the new member of the Troika.
Thank you Mr. Chair