Minister Zbigniew Rau inaugurates Renewed OSCE European Security Dialogue in Vienna
08.02.2022
On 8 February, Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau as Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) inaugurated Poland’s Renewed European Security Dialogue initiative. Its launch, along with U.S.-Russia bilateral talks and dialogue at the NATO-Russia Council, marks an important step intended to defuse the currently tense security situation and work out ways to prevent similar ones in the future.
Minister Rau proposed a reflection on the interpretation of three fundamental principles for peace and security in Europe - the principles of comprehensive security, indivisible security and peaceful coexistence, their mutual relations and links with other principles covered by the OSCE Decalogue. He also proposed that the OSCE dialogue should cover such themes as military confidence building measures, conflict prevention and resolution, and non-military security aspects. He also suggested reflection on how the participating States understand the principles and commitments adopted by the Organization and how these are being implemented. The proposed formula offers flexibility and an opportunity for all States to raise their reservations and questions.
The OSCE is a suitable forum for debate on European security, providing as it does equal rights to all of the region’s countries, including Russia and Ukraine. The Organization guards the values and principles formulated since 1975 and the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act. Poland looks forward to constructive cooperation on this matter with all OSCE participating States. The Renewed European Security Dialogue initiative will be one of the major agenda items during Minister Rau’s forthcoming visits to Kyiv and Moscow.
Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson
Photo: Sebastian Indra/MFA