OSCE Conference kicks off in Dead Sea

AMMAN — The 2022 Mediterranean Conference of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) kicked off on Monday on the shores of the Dead Sea.

This year's event is being held under the theme of "Advancing Security and Cooperation in the Mediterranean: Fostering Dialogue with the Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation". 

North Macedonia, as chair of the Mediterranean Partners for Cooperation Group, is organising the conference, according to a statement from the Foreign Ministry. 

The two-day event, attended by representatives of the 57 OSCE member states as well as the organisation's 10 Mediterranean and Asian partners, aims to discuss common security interests and challenges in the Euro-Mediterranean region.

During the opening session, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rao, whose country chaired the Organisation and OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, delivered speeches.

Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström also addressed the gathering in a pre-recorded speech delivered by video.

Safadi stressed the conference’s important role in advancing cooperation and addressing common challenges. 

Safadi added that the conference enables agreement on operational methodologies with which to tackle security challenges and achieve regional stability.

The foreign ministers of Poland and North Macedonia, as well as the OSCE secretary-general, drew attention to partnership with the Kingdom, and expressed appreciation for Jordan's role in enhancing security and stability.

The role of youth in solving issues related to security, climate change, human trafficking, women's economic empowerment, joint security in the Mediterranean region and the protection of refugees, were listed on the conference agenda. 

During the event, Minister of Environment Muawieh Radaideh and Minister of Youth Mohammed Al Nabulsi highlighted Jordan's policies and programmes concerning environmental protection and youth empowerment.