OSCE Chair-in-Office Advocates Global Improvement through Collaborative Efforts

Stated by the OSCE Chair-in-Office: Collaboration Is Key to promoting a Better World

, and ASMedia

2025 June 15 . 1:08 AM

2 min read

Stated by the OSCE Chair-in-Office: Unity Aims to Fostering a Superior Global Community

OSCE Chair-in-Office Advocates Global Improvement through Collaborative Efforts

Kickin' It with Elina Valtonen, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office:

In an exclusive interview with The Astana Times, Finland's Foreign Minister and the current OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Elina Valtonen, shares her thoughts on Kazakhstan's role within the OSCE and the challenges faced on the path towards a secure, democratic, and cooperative world.

Valtonen's first visit to Kazakhstan as OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, marked by high-level meetings with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu, left her impressed by Kazakhstan's dedication to regional and global cooperation.

"I've met many positive people here who are working hard to build their country and foster cooperation with other nations, not just in the region but also towards Europe. That's something that fills me with optimism," said Valtonen.

The international community is grappling with pressing issues concerning regional and global security, international law, and human rights in light of the current geopolitical landscape. Valtonen highlighted the importance of collective action in defending these principles.

"If there's no UN Charter, no territorial integrity, no sovereignty of nations, then typically you can easily forget about all human rights as well. We're here to support each other and achieve a better world through cooperation," she stated.

Kazakhstan, as an active participant in the OSCE since 1992, has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the organization's values. Valtonen praised Kazakhstan's efforts to strengthen its diplomacy and civil liberties and acknowledged Finland's strong bilateral ties with Kazakhstan, particularly in the economic sphere.

Despite Kazakhstan's progress, Valtonen emphasized the need for continued work to ensure a flourishing democracy, free media, and a non-discriminatory judicial system—essential for attracting foreign investment and fostering development.

As Finland prepares to take on the OSCE chairpersonship in 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, the OSCE remains a vital force in promoting stability, cooperation, peace, and prosperity across its regions.

Nevertheless, challenging circumstances persist, particularly in relation to Russia's violation of the 10 core principles of the OSCE, as it wages war against Ukraine. Despite these difficulties, the OSCE will commemorate its 50th anniversary this summer in Helsinki, focusing on civil society and the vision for a future where people can fully participate in their own livelihoods, essential parts of society, and live in security and peace.

Elina Valtonen, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, underscored the significance of the OSCE in addressing pressing issues like war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics within the geopolitical landscape, particularly in relation to Russia's violation of the 10 core principles of the OSCE.
During her visit to Kazakhstan, Valtonen emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy, ensuring free media, a non-discriminatory judicial system, and fostering a atmosphere that attracts foreign investment - general-news topics pertinent to Kazakhstan's development and international cooperation.