Media release
3 December, 2009
Australia becomes an Asian Partner for Cooperation of the OSCE
Yesterday in Athens, the Ministerial Council of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) welcomed Australia as an Asian Partner for Cooperation.
With 56 States drawn from Europe, Central Asia and North America, the OSCE is the world's largest regional security organisation.
The OSCE works to support arms control, counter-terrorism, conflict prevention and post-conflict resolution, and to promote peace and stability in a region that stretches from Vancouver to Vladivostok.
The OSCE plays an active role in Central Asia, including Afghanistan, strengthening governance through support for political and economic reforms.
Australia’s strengthened links with the organisation reflect the Government’s commitment to reinvigorate Australia’s engagement with multilateral organisations and the development of democratic values, good governance and international security.
As an Asian Partner, Australia will participate in high-level OSCE meetings and support practical work in support of OSCE objectives.
Australia’s Ambassadors in Vienna and Brussels - Mr Michael Potts and Dr Brendan Nelson - will take forward our new engagement with the OSCE.
Australia looks forward to working with the OSCE to develop common approaches to the pressing challenges that span borders and threaten global peace and security.
Media contacts
- Mr Smith's office 02 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison 02 6261 1555