Kazakhstan Supports Priorities of Finland' OSCE Chairpersonship

Vienna, January 23, 2025 – During the first meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council this year, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen outlined the priorities for Finland's Chairpersonship of the Organization.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the Finnish Chairpersonship will prioritize upholding OSCE principles, enhancing the resilience of participating States and the Organization, and supporting efforts to resolve regional conflicts. Particular attention will be paid to promoting gender equality, inclusiveness, rights and participation of civil society, especially youth and people with disabilities in the OSCE.

Kazakhstan's delegation expressed strong support for these priorities, emphasizing the OSCE's role as a vital platform for dialogue to enhance security, stability, and cooperation in Europe.

In his address, the Kazakh representative highlighted the need for collective efforts to address pressing challenges such as terrorism, drug trafficking, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, cyber threats, and illicit small arms and light weapons trafficking.

For Central Asia, Kazakhstan proposed specific areas of cooperation: addressing water management issues, enhancing connectivity, advancing digitalization, ensuring energy security, and improving disaster risk reduction measures.

Concluding his remarks, the Kazakh diplomat thanked Minister Valtonen for presenting Finland’s priorities and extended an invitation for her to visit Astana as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, underscoring Kazakhstan's commitment to collaborative efforts within the Organization.