VIENNA, 26 March 2021 – Good governance and the rule of law are fundamental to economic growth, political stability, and security in the OSCE region and Asian Pacific, according to participants at the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group discussion, the first under the Albanian Chair, organized in partnership with Japan.

OSCE activities contribute to the peace pillar of the 2030 UN Agenda and support multiple sustainable development goals. This year, participants agreed to discuss developing concrete steps towards a more substantive interaction.

“As we witness various challenges, including the pandemic, it becomes crucial for OSCE participating States and the Asian Partners for Co-operation to further strengthen the partnership,” said Ambassador Akira Mizutani, Ambassador of Japan to Austria and Head of the Delegation of Japan to the OSCE. “Japan shares the values of the OSCE, with its comprehensive security approach, and attaches predominant importance to human rights, democracy, good governance, rule of law, and economic co-operation. It is consistent with the concept of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”, under which Japan aims to promote peace, stability and prosperity.”

“We are responsible for the full implementation of all OSCE principles and commitments,” said Ambassador Igli Hasani, Permanent Representative of Albania to the OSCE, Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co-operation Group. “We must recognize that our security is inextricably linked to that of adjacent areas, including Asian-Pacific. There is the desire to share and learn from each other’s experiences, which will benefit the OSCE area and beyond.”

Ambassador Ulrika Funered, Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Swedish 2021 OSCE Chairpersonship, underlined the Chairpersonship’s overarching priority areas: safeguarding European Security by focusing on common principles and joint commitments; upholding the OSCE’s concept of comprehensive security, including fostering democratic principles and strengthening gender equality; and contributing to and supporting conflict resolution. “In this respect, today’s topic sets an excellent tone for the series of five thematic meetings of this Group.”

On behalf of OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid, Luca Fratini, Director of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General, said that the participating States recognized the benefits of strengthening good governance and promoting connectivity through trade and transport. “Connectivity is particularly important for the stability and sustainable development of Central Asian landlocked countries, as they experience high transport costs to major markets, including to those of Asian Partners for Co-operation.”

The OSCE supports the Partnership by contributing to the development of a joint action plan focusing on consolidating common values in the international community and understanding the new challenges that all are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.