Maka Botchorishvili: "Georgia assumes this Chairmanship with humility, resolve, and a firm belief in the value of multilateralism”

Excellencies,

 

Ladies and gentlemen,

 

It is a great honor for me to address the Forum for Security Co-operation at a moment of particular responsibility for my country, as Georgia assumes the Chairmanship of this distinguished body. We once again thank France for its leadership during the previous trimester and commend its efforts to promote dialogue. We also look forward to working closely with the United Kingdom as our partner in the Troika, ensuring continuity and coherence in our collective work.

 

The security situation across the OSCE area continues to be deeply concerning and demands our urgent attention. In particular, the war in Ukraine continues to significantly affect the security environment across the OSCE area and underscores the urgent need to uphold and respect the principles on which this Organization is based.

 

We are witnessing a continued erosion of the trust and predictability that underpin our shared security framework. The implementation of agreed commitments, including those enshrined in the Vienna Document and other confidence- and security-building measures, faces ongoing challenges.

 

Risk reduction mechanisms are under strain, transparency and military predictability are at a low point, and opportunities for dialogue are too often limited by political or security constraints. At the same time, new and evolving threats are emerging at an unprecedented pace. These include the proliferation of advanced military technologies, the expansion of cyber operations with potential security consequences, and hybrid threats that blur the lines between conventional and unconventional forms of conflict. The FSC must respond to these challenges not only by reinforcing existing commitments but also by fostering innovation, enhancing cooperation, and sharing best practices among participating States.

 

In this context, Georgia firmly believes that restoring respect for agreed principles and rebuilding confidence among participating States must remain at the center of our collective efforts.

 

Georgia approaches its Chairmanship with a clear set of priorities, which we intend to pursue in close cooperation with all participating States. Guided by the mandate of the Forum and building on the work of previous Chairmanships, Georgia will focus on the following priority areas within its Security Dialogues.

 

The first Security Dialogue will be dedicated to strengthening compliance with the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, including the exchange of best practices on national implementation mechanisms and measures that support its effective application.

 

The second Security Dialogue will address the impact of armed conflict on women and girls. Armed conflicts continue to have disproportionate and multidimensional effects on women and girls, while women also play an essential role in sustaining social resilience and contributing to peacebuilding and recovery efforts.

 

The third Security Dialogue will be devoted to conflict-related human rights violations under the Code of Conduct.

 

It will seek to strengthen participating States’ understanding of their obligations to prevent such violations, including through an examination of the interrelationship between international humanitarian law and international human rights law in armed conflict situations, as well as measures to ensure their effective implementation and compliance at the national level.

 

Across all three priority areas, Georgia will emphasize the importance of translating commitments into practical implementation.

 

Excellencies,

 

Georgia’s own experience underscores the importance of the OSCE’s work.

 

Our country faces complex security challenges and understands firsthand the consequences of unresolved conflict, violations of sovereignty, and the erosion of confidence among participating States, as Russia continues the occupation of two regions of Georgia and maintains its illegal military presence there. This experience shapes our approach to leadership within the FSC: we are committed to constructive engagement, and practical measures that advance peace, stability, and security across the OSCE area. 

 

We are also aware that security is not achieved through formal instruments alone. It requires sustained engagement, trust-building, and the willingness to listen and respond to legitimate concerns.

 

Georgia is determined to ensuring that the FSC remains a platform for constructive dialogue and practical solutions.

 

Allow me also to inform you that Georgia has formally put forward its candidacy for the OSCE Chairmanship in 2027. This candidacy reflects our deep commitment to the Organization and our belief in the value of continuity, inclusiveness, and proactive engagement. Georgia brings to this role a proven record of constructive participation in OSCE activities, a steadfast adherence to the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, and practical experience in addressing complex security challenges. Georgia’s experience in navigating difficult regional security dynamics positions us to contribute effectively to the OSCE’s work at the highest level.

 

Excellencies,

 

The challenges we face are significant. They demand careful attention, innovative solutions, and unwavering commitment. But so too is our collective capacity to address them, if we act in the spirit of cooperation and mutual respect that defines the OSCE.

 

Georgia assumes this Chairmanship with humility, resolve, and a firm belief in the value of multilateralism.

 

We look forward to working closely with all participating States to strengthen the FSC, advance our shared objectives, and ensure that the OSCE continues to deliver results in the interest of security, stability, and peace across the OSCE area.

 

Thank you.