Turkey commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords, reaffirming its pledge to strengthen national security
In the year 1975, the Helsinki Final Act was signed, marking the foundation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). From its inception, Turkey has been an active supporter of the Helsinki process, recognising the OSCE as a key pillar of peace and stability across the region.
As an original signatory to the Helsinki Accords, Turkey maintained its commitment to the OSCE when the conference transitioned into the OSCE in 1994. The Helsinki Final Act was designed to reduce tensions and disputes between opposing blocs during the Cold War, and it established the foundations for the OSCE. The Act covered a broad region spanning across the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian geographies.
Over the past five decades, Turkey has remained committed to contributing to stability and peace in the OSCE region despite all the challenges faced today. This commitment is evident in Turkey’s key principles in the OSCE, which centre on regional security, a comprehensive security approach, and enhancing the organization's effectiveness and functionality.
Turkey's engagement in the OSCE is multifaceted. The country has made significant contributions to the OSCE, especially in areas such as countering violent extremism, combating domestic violence, and anti-trafficking policies. Turkey actively participates in efforts that address multidimensional security challenges, reflecting the OSCE’s broad mandate covering politico-military, economic-environmental, and human dimensions.
The OSCE encompasses the largest regional security forum based on a comprehensive security approach. By constructive participation in OSCE initiatives and fostering dialogue, Turkey strives to contribute to peace-building and conflict prevention in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions.
As the OSCE celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords, Turkey reaffirmed its ongoing dedication to these principles and to reinforcing regional security through the organization’s framework. The Helsinki Final Act established principles that remain relevant today, laying the foundations of a security architecture based on dialogue and cooperation.
In a recent statement, the Turkish ministry reiterated that the country will resolutely continue to pursue active diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation in support of multilateralism. Turkey's commitment to regional peace and stability and its active contribution to the development of the European security architecture based on the principles of international law are clear indicators of its unwavering support for the OSCE.
[1] OSCE.org. (2021). Turkey's OSCE Chairmanship. [online] Available at: https://www.osce.org/turkey-2021/463332
[2] Turkish Foreign Ministry. (2021). Turkey's OSCE Chairmanship: A New Era of Dialogue and Cooperation. [online] Available at: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkeys-osce-chairmanship-a-new-era-of-dialogue-and-cooperation.en.mfa
[3] Anadolu Agency. (2021). Turkey reaffirms commitment to OSCE principles on 50th anniversary. [online] Available at: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-reaffirms-commitment-to-osce-principles-on-50th-anniversary/2236876
[4] OSCE.org. (2021). Turkey's Priorities as the OSCE Chair. [online] Available at: https://www.osce.org/turkey-2021/463333
- Despite the current challenges, Turkey's commitment to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) remains steadfast, as demonstrated by its key principles focusing on regional security, a comprehensive security approach, and enhancing the organization's effectiveness and functionality.
- Turkey's active involvement in the OSCE extends beyond political discourse, with significant contributions made in areas like countering violent extremism, addressing domestic violence, and implementing anti-trafficking policies.
- In recognition of the Helsinki Final Act's 50th anniversary, Turkey reaffirms its dedication to the principles established by the Act, aiming to reinforce regional security through the OSCE's framework and to continue pursuing active diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation in support of multilateralism.
