Switzerland will hold the chairmanship of the OSCE, the world’s largest regional security organization in 2014, during which Federal Councillor Didier Burkhalter as the Swiss foreign minister will be the OSCE chairman-in-office. This OSCE chairmanship will enable Switzerland to address the issues of peace and security in the most comprehensive sense through the strong emphasis it will give to respect for human rights and the prevention of conflicts. This approach is explicitly set out in Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy, which accords central importance to Switzerland’s commitment to stability in Europe. 

Switzerland’s chairmanship of the OSCE means that Switzerland will organise the Ministerial Council in 2014. At the end of each year, all the decisions taken during the incumbent chairman’s tenure are ratified within this body by the participating States. The conference will involve some 1,200 delegates from the 56 member States for a period of four days and include four of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and seven of the eight members of the G8. 

Basel, which lies on the borders of three countries and is within immediate reach of an international airport, is an ideal venue for hosting this conference. The Basel authorities have assured the Swiss Confederation of their support for this event, which will also present Switzerland with the opportunity to strengthen its reputation as a host country for major international conferences. 

For further information:                 

Jean-Marc Crevoisier
Head of FDFA Information
079 763 84 10

Additional indications:

  Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

Publisher:

The Federal Council

Internet: http://www.admin.ch/br/index.html?lang=en

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs

Internet: http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/recent/media.html