Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović participates in OSCE Ministerial Council meeting

Hamburg, Germany (9 December 2016) -- Minister of foreign affairs of Montenegro Srđan Daramnović participated in the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, held on 8-9 December in Hamburg, chaired by the German Minister of foreign affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

This year, as before, the central topics of the Ministerial Council were the challenges in resolving the crisis of European security, in particular the situation in and around Ukraine, migrant-refugee crisis, frozen conflicts, terrorism, and violent extremism.

During his speech, Minister Darmanović pointed to the key security challenges that Europe is facing today, emphasising that the crisis of European security is one of the gravest in the past several decades. He also underlined the importance of the OSCE as a platform for dialogue and cooperation in combating new challenges.

Darmanović stated that current crisis in and around Ukraine confirms the relevance of the concept of comprehensive security of the OSCE and confirms as well the importance of the role that the Organisation has in providing a single platform for inclusive and constructive dialogue when it comes to a most important security issues.

The Minister said that the resolution of frozen conflicts and efforts in achieving a solution to the crisis by peaceful and diplomatic means, which also include the Trilateral Contact Group and Normandy format, remain high on the OSCE agenda. He stressed that our common security depends on respect for democratic principles and values, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rule of law, tolerance and non-discrimination.

Minister Darmanović also participated in the accompanying meetings on the topic “The crisis in and around Ukraine – challenges and responses of the OSCE” and “The importance of arms control for European security today”.