Statement in response to the address by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta, H.E. Dr. Ian Borg as delivered by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 1524th meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council

12 June, 2025

Mr. Chair,

The delegation of the Republic of Armenia warmly welcomes the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Malta back to the Permanent Council, this time as the President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. We thank him for insightful remarks.

While the Maltese Presidency begins amidst complex and evolving global challenges, emerging hybrid threats, and alarming trends of democratic backsliding, it is evident that the priorities outlined for the forthcoming six months reflect Malta’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism, diplomacy, and the core values of the Council of Europe.

In this regard, the Republic of Armenia supports the Maltese Presidency’s agenda, aimed at strengthening the protection of human rights, upholding democracy, and reinforcing the rule of law across our continent.

We are confident that the former Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and current President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe is well aware of the challenges that both organizations are facing in terms of the quality and level of implementation by member and participating States of their legally binding obligations and political commitments. As we have emphasized on numerous occasions, security and human rights are inseparably linked and mutually reinforcing. There can be no lasting security and stability without the promotion and protection of fundamental freedoms. We believe that many crises and conflicts in the OSCE and Council of Europe regions stem directly from persistent human rights violations.

In this context, close collaboration between our two organizations based on respect for their mandates is essential. Both institutions are uniquely distinguished by their high standards and comprehensive commitments to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We believe that the OSCE and the Council of Europe have a historic mission to demonstrate that this model of common good remains viable and sustainable and that it will further develop and thrive.

Distinguished Minister,

Armenia stands ready to contribute actively to the implementation of priorities of the Maltese Chairmanship in such areas as protection of the rights of the child, the reinforcement of the rule of law, the promotion of democratic resilience, and the advancement of measures addressing all forms of violence and discrimination. We also welcome the focus on empowering youth, which remains crucial for building a more inclusive and sustainable democratic future.

In conclusion, Armenia expresses its readiness to work closely with all member states of the Council of Europe to explore innovative approaches for making our democracies more resilient, inclusive, and fit for the future.

Once again, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Malta on assuming the Chairmanship and reiterate our full support and readiness to engage constructively in the collective pursuit of our shared values and common objectives.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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