NATO Deputy Secretary General and Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE discuss cooperation in challenging times

  • 31 Jan. 2023 -
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  • Last updated: 03 Feb. 2023 11:02

On Tuesday (31 January), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani in his capacity as 2023 Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Together they discussed NATO-OSCE partnership, the situation in the Western Balkans, as well as the war in Ukraine.

NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoană meets with Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia and Chairperson-in-Office of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Bujar Osmani

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is “not only a brutal attack against an independent, democratic nation in Europe, but attack on the values we hold dear”, Mr. Geoană said, underlining the important role that the OSCE plays in safeguarding Euro-Atlantic security and the rule-based international order.

The Deputy Secretary General also praised the long-established and close cooperation between NATO and the OSCE on a wide range of issues, including cyber, fighting terrorism, human security, military transparency and arms control. “We are ready to strengthen our partnership,” he said. 

Later that same day, Mr. Osmani briefed the North Atlantic Council on the priorities for the year ahead.