Ambassador Jānis Zlamets presents his credentials to the OSCE Secretary General

On 19 October in Vienna, Jānis Zlamets, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), presented his credentials to Thomas Greminger, OSCE Secretary General.

The Ambassador and the Secretary General shared views on the current security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic space and the OSCE’s substantial role in tackling them. The Ambassador noted the importance of the organisation’s involvement in resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and highlighted the activities of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission observing developments in the east of Ukraine. Opinions were also exchanged on frozen conflicts in the OSCE area, and on how the organisation could contribute to their resolution.

Special focus was given to confidence and security building measures in relation to the structured dialogue process launched by participating States on security challenges in the OSCE area as a whole. Jānis Zlamets expressed support for the efforts to reduce tension and rebuild trust; he stressed, nevertheless, that the success of the process will hinge on the genuine desire of all countries involved to contribute constructively and honour the existing commitments.   

During the meeting the parties also discussed other OSCE-related matters and regional issues of current relevance, including those in Central Asia, the Eastern Partnership countries and the Western Balkans. The Ambassador and the Secretary General were unanimous on the need for a continued strengthening both of OCSE independent institutions and of OCSE regional missions.