OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu concluded his first official visits to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan today, reaffirming the Organization’s strong commitment to peace, security and stability in the South Caucasus, OSCE Press Office reports.
“This visit was an opportunity to underline the OSCE’s strong commitment to peace and stability in the region, and our support to address ongoing challenges,” said Sinirlioğlu.
In Armenia, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu met with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan. In Azerbaijan, he met with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
In both Yerevan and Baku, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu welcomed the respective efforts being made to ensure regional peace and stability, expressing hope for the signing of a peace agreement as soon as possible. “The news that the text of the peace agreement is finalized is an inspiring development. OSCE stands ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan as they continue on the road to sustainable peace,” he stated.
The Secretary General also visited the Baku International Sea Trade Port, where opportunities for increased co-operation in transport and connectivity were discussed.
In Georgia, Secretary General Sinirlioğlu met with President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili. He also met with civil society and opposition representatives.
Throughout his visit to the South Caucasus region, the Secretary General highlighted how the OSCE’s decades-long experience and comprehensive approach to security can help normalize relations across the region and contribute to wider regional stability and peace. He underlined the importance of continued adherence to the OSCE commitments.
