Distinguished Mr. Chairman,
Dear Colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen


Let me express my satisfaction of being here, in the great city of Astana, participating at the 7th OSCE Summit, at this critical juncture of defining the course of our common security and of consolidating the role of the OSCE in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian region. I would like to extend my congratulations to our host for the extended hospitality and exceptional organization.

This Summit is, undoubtedly, significant and symbolic one. Witnessing the necessity of increased effectiveness of our Organization and working hard to give a strong impetus and revitalize the Organisation, the participating states made a decision to organize the OSCE Summit for the first time in the new century in Central Asia. This is a clear sign of our strong determination to keep working on overcoming the differences between us and really start building a Security Community, a community of enhanced mutual cooperation. Only 10 days ago in Lisbon, we witnessed a joint commitment to strengthen the Alliance and prepare it for the 21st century challenges. The OSCE should be prepared for the realities borne by the new century.

There is a symbolism in the fact that this year marks the 35th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, and the 20th anniversary of the Charter of Paris for a new Europe. We are here today to reaffirm our commitment to those fundamental principles, and to endorse needed action to make the ambitious vision of Helsinki and Paris a reality.

As of no less importance, I would like to mention the 20th anniversary of the Copenhagen Document, which is the guide and foundation of the human dimension work in the OSCE. Since its independence, Macedonia has been guided by the OSCE principles and commitments, thus making a good example that trust between communities can be built only by respecting human rights and fundamental freedoms of all citizens.

Dear friends,

I may say, without any restrain, that the OSCE has played a significant role in my country, the Republic of Macedonia. I would like to underline that OSCE has done a great job. Important was the commitment and the engagement of the OSCE in Macedonia. Today, my country, being a service consumer in the past, is an active contributor to the organization's goals. Macedonia today is a unique example of multiethnic coexistence, inclusive democracy, a model that made us a contributor to the security and stability. The Republic of Macedonia has a significant contribution not only to the regional stability and cooperation, but also to the wider peace and security, as in Afghanistan. The Republic of Macedonia is strongly focused on the development and promotion of good neighborly relations.

We receive a lot of acknowledgements for the progress achieved. The Republic of Macedonia today has met all criteria for NATO membership. Macedonia today is ready to start European Union accession negotiations. Next year we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of our independence, and therefore, I deem that we have made a remarkable progress in this period.

Indeed, not only my country did, but the entire Southeast Europe region has been enjoying the benefits from the Organization. Compared with the situation of only a decade ago, the things in our region have been dramatically changed in a positive direction.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It was about a time for us to gather in order to increase our efforts in resolving existing conflicts in the OSCE area in a peaceful manner, eradicating the threat or the use of force. Our confidence-building efforts must continue. We must communicate to establish mutual understanding and undertake joint actions. The fuel for this process will certainly be the political will. We are here to stress that there is political will. I fully subscribe to the point of view that the OSCE should focus on the big picture. I believe that the Document that is to be adopted here in Astana will bring us closer to our common goal - a new era of cooperation between our societies and establishment of a shared Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian Security Community. We are convinced that no single state, on its own, can meet today’s challenges.

Respected colleagues,

Availing myself of this opportunity, I wish success to the incoming chairing country, Lithuania. Let me conclude by congratulating President Nazarbayev on the successful Chairmanship.

Thank you.