The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Switzerland’s Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General, Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu concluded a visit to Moscow today.
The visit—the first by an OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to the Russian Federation since 24 February 2022—underscores the OSCE’s commitment to political dialogue with all participating States. The meeting in Kyiv on 2 February and today’s meeting in Moscow signal, at this critical moment, the determination of the participating States to draw on the OSCE’s expertise in efforts towards ending the war, addressing post-conflict challenges, and contributing to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, in line with international law.
During their meeting with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the two OSCE leaders stressed the need to end the war in Ukraine. They underlined the heavy human toll the war continues to take.
“Nearly four years into the war, civilians continue to suffer. Attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure are causing long-term harm. Diplomatic efforts towards a negotiated solution must be renewed to ease civilian suffering, and international humanitarian law must be respected at all times,” stated Chairman-in-Office Ignazio Cassis. In this context, he recalled the responsibility of all participating States to keep channels open for discussions on future stability and cooperative security.
“The OSCE was designed to manage tensions. This founding purpose is more critical than ever. As the only inclusive regional security forum from Vancouver to Vladivostok, it is uniquely placed to convene meaningful diplomatic dialogue and to revitalize risk-reduction, arms control and transparency mechanisms essential to rebuilding European security,” said the OSCE Secretary General.
Discussions also touched on the Organization’s readiness to assist where sustained international engagement is required, drawing on the OSCE’s long-standing experience. Ignazio Cassis underscored that the Organization stands ready, with its experience and tools, to support a negotiated settlement and its implementation on the ground. “The objective for this visit was precisely to present the tools of the OSCE available.” – highlighted the OSCE Chairman-in-Office.
The Secretary General raised the situation of the three OSCE staff members — Vadym Golda, Maksym Petrov and Dmytro Shabanov — in detention, and called for their release.
