Valletta, December 6, 2024 – The Europe Today: Veteran Turkish diplomat Feridun Sinirlioglu has been elected as the Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), becoming the first Turkish citizen to assume the role. His election was finalized during the OSCE’s 31st Ministerial Council meeting, attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Sinirlioglu’s candidacy received unanimous approval from all 57 OSCE member states, which include nations across North America, Europe, and Asia. His appointment comes at a critical time as the OSCE navigates significant challenges to global peace, stability, and Europe’s security architecture amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Sinirlioglu in a statement released on social media platform X, expressing confidence that his leadership would contribute to “peace, tranquility, and stability in the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions.” Sinirlioglu will serve a three-year term, with his tenure expected to focus on addressing these pressing issues.
With over four decades of diplomatic experience, Sinirlioglu previously served as Türkiye’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 2016 to 2023 and has held key positions within the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His extensive expertise is anticipated to strengthen the OSCE’s capacity to promote multilateral dialogue and cooperation.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan lauded Sinirlioglu’s election as a testament to Türkiye’s proactive and collaborative 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 remarked.
The OSCE, founded in 1975 during the Cold War to foster dialogue and reduce tensions between Eastern and Western blocs, continues to play a vital role in international security. Sinirlioglu’s leadership marks a historic milestone for Türkiye within this prominent organization and underscores its commitment to global peace and stability.
