Thank you, Madam Chairperson,

We congratulate the Chairpersonship of Malta for forging consensus on the holding of the Annual Security Review Conference, the OSCE’s principal mandated event for enhancing dialogue and taking stock of regional security challenges.

This year’s conference returns on a similar dark backdrop – that of the biggest threat to the European security architecture, posed by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

This tragic war, a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act, has shaken the cornerstones of OSCE principles and commitments, and it continues to have dramatic repercussions for the functioning of the OSCE and across all its three dimensions. It has shattered trust and confidence within us and beyond.

Albania supports the international mechanisms in pursuit of accountability and justice for Russia’s crimes in Ukraine, including here at the OSCE. We fully support Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity – Albania and the Albanian people will continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, its Government, and its people.

In the meantime, other conflicts and crises, the panoply of transnational threats, terrorism, organized crime, violent extremism and cybercrime, and the adverse effects of climate change on security, continue to cause suffering and hardship for many of the one billion people that the OSCE umbrella covers. They take a heavy toll on human rights and fundamental freedoms too, particularly on women and children.

Recalling the 2020 Tirana Ministerial Council declaration on strengthening co-operation in countering transnational organized crime, we urge continuity and common action if we are to be effective.

Developments in Afghanistan and in the Middle East have again highlighted the necessity for OSCE’s enhanced engagement with our Asian and Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.

All of these challenges call for a strong Organization!

Likewise, OSCE’s role in implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda continues to be as relevant today as ever. Albania, as a promoter of gender equality and women’s empowerment both at home and internationally, fully supports efforts to continue to advance this agenda.

Through it all, the OSCE executive structures have continued to be a steadfast contributor to our comprehensive security and able to make a difference on the ground.

The Secretariat, the institutions and the field operations, have shown yet again their value and resilience. Without further delay, we should give them the means, the resources and the ability to implement their mandates.

Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues,

In the Western Balkans, in our region as a whole and in our individual countries, we know first-hand what a profoundly positive impact the OSCE can have, especially through its field operations. We know, too, that a strong OSCE is once again needed today.

Because, despite the remarkable progress of past decades, old threats that have plagued our history are once again rearing their heads. The events in the Republic of Kosova are but the latest flashpoint in the attempts to forment trouble.

We urge Kosova and Serbia to resolve all differences through dialogue – there is no alternative to dialogue. And we must recognize that the best way to make the Western Balkans, and by extension Europe, more secure, is to grant Kosova its rightful place at this table and in every other international forum, and for Kosova and Serbia to reach a comprehensive solution that will enable the mutual recognition between the two countries.

Albania remains unwavering in its commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Western Balkans, and to continued co-operation with our neighbours as we progress on our common European path.

Distinguished colleagues,

We believe that the OSCE is equipped with indispensable mechanisms, confidence and security-building measures.

Closely approaching the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, we very much hope that the OSCE will turn an important corner toward greater security, dialogue, and effectiveness, making it an Organization that delivers for each and every one of our people.

In this effort, you can rely on Albania’s longstanding active contribution towards regional and global security.

In closing, we are convinced that the OSCE has a unique role to play in promoting peace and security in these times of regional and global turbulence. The path forward by necessity passes through the restoration of our principles and commitments. Thank you!