Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade Ian Borg, representing Malta, has been appointed as the Chairman-In-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for 2024.
During the OSCE Ministerial Meeting being held in Skopje, North Macedonia, Malta was unanimously voted to serve as the Chairmanship-In-Office of this significant organisation. Throughout this meeting, Minister Ian Borg expressed gratitude to all member states for their strong vote of confidence in Malta’s foreign policy.
It should be noted that during this OSCE Ministerial Council, after the agreement was reached on the Chairperson-In-Office Ian Borg, through dialogue also with the participation of Malta, an agreement was reached on the extension of the four leadership positions within the OSCE.
In his address on this occasion, the Maltese Minister affirmed that Malta assumes this role with optimism, believing that at this time, its role in the OSCE is more relevant and crucial than ever before. “The unanimous support for Malta's choice demonstrates collective ambition to ensure this organisation remains robust,” stated the minister. Minister Borg emphasised that this Chairmanship coincides with the 60th anniversary of our country’s Independence and 20 years since Malta joined the European Union, showcasing how the values that constitute Malta’s foreign policy remain as strong as ever in terms of principles and international obligations. He further stated that in this new role, our country will continue to serve as a bridge of peace, facilitating further cooperation.
As the Chairman for 2024, Borg highlighted Malta’s commitment to fulfilling its duties and responsibilities in the time ahead, acknowledging that cooperation and support from all participating states are crucial for its success.
While speaking in his national capacity as Malta’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ian Borg mentioned that contemporary multilateralism faces significant challenges globally, but it remains central to addressing numerous global conflicts occurring around us. Hence, our country believes that the OSCE is a valuable tool to address many issues.
Minister Borg, in a post on Facebook, said he will be the first Maltese Foreign Minister to have such an honour.
This is another vote of confidence in Malta’s foreign policy, he said, at a time of challenges for the international community.
Prime Minister Robert Abela welcomed the OSCE’s decision with a post on X (Twitter), saying that the international community can turn to Malta as a credible agent to help steer and broker discussions at delicate times.