European Forum

Ukraine to assume OSCE presidency in 2013

Ukraine will assume the OSCE chairmanship in 2013, according to an OSCE press release published on 23 November on the organisation’s website. This decision was taken by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the 56 OSCE member countries. Ukraine’s President Viktor Yanukovych has welcomed the decision.

“The decision regarding the Ukrainian Presidency of the OSCE shows that the international community highly appreciates Ukraine’s achievements with regard to building a democratic society”, stated Yanukovych.

The Chairperson-in-Office is the Foreign Minister of the country that holds the Chairmanship, which is in 2010 Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister and Secretary of State Kanat Saudabayev is the current Chairperson-in-Office. "I sincerely congratulate Ukraine on the occasion of being awarded the esteemed OSCE Chairmanship in 2013. We wish our Ukrainian partners and friends success in the implementation of this responsible mission and the proper continuation of efforts of previous Chairmanships to strengthen and develop the OSCE in light of new geopolitical realities," Saudabayev said. "The OSCE Summit in Astana, which will take place in just seven days, will be an exceptionally important step in this direction, and we are looking forward to productive work with all our partners in the OSCE to agree truly historic decisions of this top-level meeting."

Lithuania will chair the Organization in 2011. Ireland will hold the 2012 OSCE Chairmanship.


Sources: OSCE; Ria Novosti