Blanar: Slovakia Reaffirms Support for OSCE Peace and Security Principles (2)

Bratislava, 1 August (TASR) – Slovakia continues to support the principles of peace and security promoted by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs stated on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the OSCE’s predecessor. „The OSCE laid the foundations for the modern security architecture of the European continent and has gradually become the largest regional security organisation in the world. The principles defined five decades ago have become a pillar of peace and security in Europe, which must be supported and strengthened in today's complex geopolitical environment," said Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD). Blanar also spoke about the current difficult situation facing the OSCE, noting that the organisation is partially paralysed and currently operating without an approved budget. Nevertheless, he believes that the principles enshrined in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act remain relevant. He stressed that the adoption of the Helsinki Act opened the door for dialogue between the East and West during the Cold War era. „At a time when war has returned to Europe and polarisation is growing, it is essential to use the OSCE as a unique platform for dialogue, confidence-building, and practical cooperation across the European continent and beyond," Blanar said. The ministry also highlighted Slovakia's active and responsible role within the OSCE, recalling that Slovak diplomat Jan Kubis previously served as the organisation’s Secretary General and that Slovakia held the OSCE Chairmanship in 2019. „As Chair of the OSCE in 2019, we led efforts to strengthen peace, stability and security. Slovak diplomacy then, as now, advocated for peaceful diplomatic solutions, dialogue, and mutual understanding," Blanar added. He emphasised that during Slovakia’s chairmanship, Ukraine and the conflict in its eastern region were among the top priorities. mf/mcs