Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine not only reverberates through the dark corridors of history, but also serves as a stark reminder of the trials our multilateral system currently faces, Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg has said.
Borg was addressing the United Nations Security Council as the Chair in Office of the OSCE.
“2024 represents a high-water mark for Malta and its commitment to effective multilateralism: As OSCE Chair and an elected member of the Security Council, we are not tiring in our efforts towards peace and security in the world.”
Borg said that the challenging security situation in the OSCE region is dictating a major part of our agenda, Borg told the Council. “As States and societies, we are confronted with an era of profound uncertainty.”
For more than two years the world is witnessing a devastating conflict on European soil, he said in reference to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The international rules-based order designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war is being rigorously tested in these unprecedented times.”
“Multilateral frameworks established not only to prevent the outbreak of conflict but also to nurture a lasting peace, are now facing an erosion of their effectiveness as they strive to meet the complex demands of our world,” he said.
“Yet, it is in the crucible of such challenges that our resolve must be strengthened. These testing times, while difficult, should not breed despair nor resign us to inaction.
Instead, they should galvanize us to move beyond words, to move beyond support for the cause of multilateralism and commit ourselves to effective, tangible, and sustainable engagement.”
Advocacy alone is not enough
Advocacy alone is not enough, he said.
“Any multilateral organisation depends on the work and commitment of all its members, regardless of their size. It is for this reason that Malta accepted the request to assume the Chair of the OSCE for the year 2024 at the eleventh hour.” Borg said that Malta’s approach is driven by the goal of enhancing stability, and rebuilding trust in the international system.
He stressed that the pursuit of peace and security is one of the fundamental principles of Malta’s foreign policy. “We have consistently upheld dialogue and cooperation as the most effective and sustainable means of resolving differences, rather than resorting to violence or force.”
He said that Malta is determined to find effective and sustainable solutions to strengthen the OSCE’s resilience and capabilities to respond effectively and flexibly to the evolving security landscape.
“To this end, we are working hard to facilitate consensus on all necessary institutional decisions. This includes securing a sound financial basis for the Organization, as well as steering decisions on its new institutional leadership, both in terms of the top executive officers and future OSCE Chairs.”
“The OSCE must remain anchored in the principles and commitments to which all 57 participating States have agreed to 50 years ago – not as an end in itself, but as a means to an end. And that end is to restore peace and security in our region.”
He said that “we must and will keep Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, at the top of the agenda. I saw the devastation caused by this war first-hand during my visit to Ukraine – my first visit in my capacity as Chair-in-Office. In Kyiv, I reaffirmed our unwavering support to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.”
“Thousands of civilian lives lost, families torn apart, and millions forced to flee their homes. These are the real consequences of war. The ongoing attacks must stop. This war must come to an end.”
Borg also said that the OSCE’s role in addressing other conflicts in the region will be prioritised, mentioning Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Transdniestria, in particular. “We aim to engage with all sides to improve the prospects for comprehensive resolution of conflicts by preventing escalation and restoring stability.”
He also said that Malta will continue leveraging its diplomatic initiatives at the Security Council concerning the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
Borg also said that the Maltese Chairpersonship will prioritize efforts to narrow digital divides, facilitate broader access to digital skills and technologies, and foster increased collaboration on climate resilience, adaptation, and mitigation. “Simultaneously, we will intensify our commitment to combat corruption and bolster food security.”
He said that at a time when media freedom is more under threat than ever before, “we are committed to advancing initiatives focused on enhancing media literacy and ensuring the safety of journalists, with a special emphasis on the well-being and protection of female journalists, both online and offline.”
Photo: UN
