Main image: Ian Borg delivering his inaugural address as head of the OSCE in Vienna on Thursday. Photo: MFET

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Ian Borg, will make his first visit to Ukraine next week as the current chairperson of the OSCE. He announced this on Thursday in Vienna during the official presentation of Malta's priorities for its OSCE chairmanship in 2024, as reported by Times of Malta.

"Next week, I will visit Kyiv to demonstrate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," said Borg.

He expressed confidence that the OSCE can play a crucial role in supporting Ukraine. Against this background, the new OSCE Chairperson voiced his support for the previously initiated voluntary OSCE Programme to Support Ukraine by participating countries.

The current OSCE Chairperson also emphasized the need for the release of three staff members of the disbanded OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, who are being held by Russia.

"Our chairmanship will not tire of repeating: this war must be stopped," emphasized Ian Borg.

He assured that the illegal aggressive war by Russia against Ukraine would be a priority during Malta's OSCE chairmanship.

"I and the Maltese chairmanship will continue to demand the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Russian troops from all internationally recognized territory of Ukraine," Borg emphasized.

The current OSCE Chairperson also condemned the Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities that occurred in the past week. Additionally, Malta advocated for the expansion of assistance to Ukraine, despite Russia's objections.

After Russia's armed invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia attempted to block the continuation of OSCE projects in Ukraine. However, other members of the organization, including Germany, ensured that the OSCE could continue working in Ukraine without restrictions. Among other things, the OSCE assists Ukraine in demining, combating human trafficking, and strengthening judicial institutions.