The 31st Meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council took place in Ta Kali, Malta, on December 5-6, with a delegation from Mongolia led by L.Munkhtushig, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two-day session saw participation from foreign ministers and senior officials from the OSCE’s 57 member states and 11 partners for cooperation. Key topics discussed included the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, regional security, human rights, and pressing economic and environmental challenges. Internal matters such as the organization’s budget and senior official appointments were also addressed.
During the discussions, State Secretary L.Munkhtushig reaffirmed Mongolia's unwavering support for the OSCE’s fundamental principles and initiatives. He emphasized the country’s commitment to collaborative efforts in areas such as democracy promotion, human rights protection, good governance, and combating corruption. Mongolia has been a partner since 2004 and became a full member in 2012, reinforcing its role within the organization.
The council concluded with significant institutional decisions aimed at bolstering the OSCE's capacity to respond effectively to complex security issues. Notably, consensus was reached on appointing a new OSCE Secretary General and Heads of Institutions, strengthening leadership to steer the organization during uncertain times. Malta's Chair-in-Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Ian Borg, highlighted the importance of these developments, stating: “Consensus is not a relic of the past but an achievable reality when collective interests take precedence over individual differences.”
Borg stressed that these outcomes were not mere formalities but vital for the OSCE’s function and effectiveness. “These decisions reaffirm our ability to address today’s security challenges,” he added, underscoring the OSCE’s enduring role in promoting peace, democracy, and human rights, and supporting conflict prevention and comprehensive security. Reflecting on the year’s theme, ‘Strengthening Resilience, Enhancing Security’, Borg noted that Malta had laid a strong foundation for the organization to meet future demands and be better prepared for challenges ahead.
The council’s closing also marked the transition of the OSCE Chairmanship to Finland for 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Incoming Chairperson-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen highlighted that Finland’s leadership would focus on resilience, particularly amid Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. “We aim to enhance the OSCE’s operational capacity and empower people in neighboring areas to live in democratic states governed by the rule of law,” Valtonen said, reaffirming the importance of OSCE principles.
In his closing remarks, Borg called on member states to renew their commitment to the organization’s foundational principles. “Let us leave behind a legacy of peace, security, and prosperity for future generations. An investment in the OSCE is an investment in the spirit of possibility,” he concluded.
