“For almost half a century, the OSCE has been a central actor in discussions and negotiations on security issues in Europe. It is a unique instrument for resolving intractable and protracted conflicts, not only in Ukraine, but also in Transnistria and the South Caucasus. We need to address the importance of a functioning OSCE so that this organisation can continue its invaluable work,” Minister Fajon told the plenary, expressing concern at the fact that the OSCE is now in its third year of operation without an approved budget: “The OSCE needs stable funding, reliable and strong leadership, and the political support of all of us to meet the current challenges.” She added that sound founding is key to the functioning of the institution and its field missions.

During the talks and meetings, Minister Fajon also welcomed the agreement of the Member States on the appointment of new key OSCE officials and expressed the hope that this agreement would be jointly confirmed in the final act of the ministerial meeting under the Maltese chairpersonship in Valletta. She added that everyone in the OSCE always stresses co-operation and the need for compromise.

Ministers and other representatives from the 57 member states and 10 partner countries or organisations spent a lot of time on Ukraine. The plenary session was attended by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Minister Fajon underlined the importance of dialogue: “Slovenia condemns the illegal and unjustified war. Attacks on civilians and civilian objects are a clear violation of international humanitarian law and constitute war crimes. These atrocities and this war must stop! Until then, we will support Ukraine every step of the way.” She also expressed concern about the so-called political prisoners and the fate of Ukrainian children moved to Russia.

She added that rebuilding trust after the war in Ukraine will be a long and complex process: “It will require the political will of all of us. In this process, the OSCE must remain a platform for dialogue and an important instrument for resolving security issues in Europe.”

On the sidelines of the OSCE ministerial meeting, Minister Fajon met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. She spoke to both of them about the importance of keeping the OSCE functioning and, in particular, financially stable. The two ministers also briefed her on the state of negotiations on the peace agreement, and she expressed her support for signing the agreement as soon as possible.