Feridun Sinirlioglu Becomes First Turkish Secretary General of OSCE

Malta, The Gulf Observer: Veteran Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu has been elected as the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), marking the first time a Turkish citizen has assumed the role. His election was finalized during the OSCE’s 31st Ministerial Council meeting in Malta, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in attendance.

Sinirlioglu’s candidacy received unanimous support from all 57 OSCE member states, representing North America, Europe, and Asia. His appointment comes as the OSCE faces critical challenges to global peace and stability, particularly within Europe’s security architecture amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated Sinirlioglu via a message on X, formerly Twitter, expressing confidence in his ability to promote peace and stability across the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions. Erdogan underscored the importance of this milestone for Türkiye.

Sinirlioglu brings over four decades of diplomatic experience to his three-year term, including serving as Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2016 to 2023. His leadership is expected to steer the OSCE during a period of heightened international tension.

Foreign Minister Fidan hailed Sinirlioglu’s election as a reflection of Türkiye’s proactive and cooperative diplomacy on the global stage. “In these challenging times, as the world faces deep crises and conflicts, the OSCE must play a pivotal role in promoting peace, stability, and security,” Fidan said.

Founded in 1975 during the Cold War, the OSCE was established to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions between Eastern and Western blocs. Sinirlioglu’s leadership is anticipated to reinforce its role in addressing pressing security issues and fostering international cooperation.

This election highlights a significant achievement for Türkiye, showcasing its growing influence within prominent international organizations.