Skopje, 12 November 2024 (MIA) – The need for joint and coordinated approach in managing serious challenges that OSCE is faced with, including the conflict in Ukraine, the issue of the organization’s financing, the election of its leadership and long-term stability were in the focus of discussions between Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski and Malta counterpart and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ian Borg, in Skopje on Tuesday.

Besides multilateral cooperation, the meeting tackled bilateral relations and possibilities for their enhancement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said in a press release.

FM Mucunski reaffirmed North Macedonia’s commitment to the OSCE Troika, a format including the present, previous and succeeding Chairpersonships, while also supporting Malta’s active engagement.

Interlocutors highlighted the OSCE Troika commitment in defense of the organization’s fundamental values – peace, security and mutual cooperation – as foundations for long-term stability in the region and beyond.

At a joint press conference after the meeting, Mucunski expressed hope that Malta’s presidency and the upcoming Finnish presidency would further strengthen OSCE’s goals through political dialogue, democratic means and good governance.

“In this context, we agreed that OSCE needs strategic predictability and functionality, considering it is the largest regional security organization, amid today’s complex geopolitical context,” said Mucunski.

OSCE CiO Borg said the slogan of their chairpersonship “Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security” focuses on ensuring its functionality and impact where most needed.

“We see strong alignment with the priorities of the Government of North Macedonia and OSCE’s commitments in the country. I highly appreciate the government’s initiative to formalize the strategic partnership with our mission here,” said Borg.

Regarding the OSCE budget issue, the CiO said discussions are ongoing.

“OSCE is an organization with 57 participating countries. There is a participating state that is undertaking a military aggression against another participating state. Considering the need for unanimity for decisions, the discussions and negotiations for the budget are ongoing. Its approval has been an issue for several years and of course, this impacts the organization’s functionality,” said Borg.

After the Mucunski-Borg encounter, the OSCE Troika held a meeting, also including Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, whose country will the 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship.

Photo: MFAFT