Thank you, Mr Chair. Let me start by adding my condolences for the tragic shooting in Graz. Our thoughts are with the Austrian delegation, the people of Austria and the families and friends of the victims.
Minister Borg, welcome back to the Permanent Council, thank you for your presentation and for Malta’s commitment to multilateralism. You stepped up to lead the OSCE when we needed you. And as you celebrate 60 years since Malta’s accession to the Council of Europe, it is clear that you are treating your new role as Chair of the Committee of Ministers with the same dedication.
The longstanding relationship between the OSCE and the Council of Europe is rooted in the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law – values that the UK is firmly committed to uphold. It is through these values that both institutions can- with their respective expertise- protect against violence and oppression; defend against democratic backsliding; utilise the opportunities technology provides to enhance our security; build resilience against the intensification of malign and destabilising hybrid activities affecting many of our States; and support Ukraine.
The UK is fully committed to holding Russia to account for its illegal and barbaric actions in Ukraine. We support the progress in establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine at the Council of Europe and are keen for progress to be made as soon as possible.
Minister Borg, the busy agenda you have outlined today reminds us that our two institutions share much common ground and already learn from each-other through regular exchange on areas such as tackling organised crime and human trafficking, countering terrorism and violent extremism, as well as promoting free and fair elections, media freedom, and gender rights. You are right to think about cooperation, particularly given the common security challenges we are facing. We must continue to recognise each institution’s individual merits and distinctiveness – and to work in a coordinated way to employ the unique set of tools which each institution offers.
Minister, thank you for your leadership, and commitment to the principles of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Charter. By the end of this year, you will have completed the hat-trick! On behalf of the UK, we offer you, and your team, our support for your work throughout the remainder of your Presidency and beyond.
