26th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk

MINSK, 5 July (BelTA) – Minsk serves as a good venue for discussing international problems, Rada Tumanbaeva, Acting Head of the Delegation of Kyrgyzstan to the OSCE PA, said during the 26th OSCE PA Annual Session in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

The theme of the session is “Enhancing mutual trust and cooperation for peace and prosperity in the OSCE region.” Rada Tumanbaeva expressed confidence that Minsk, that has already established itself as an effective negotiating platform, will become a good venue for considering global issues, such as terrorism, economic and environmental problems. “We hope for a fruitful dialogue. We expect great changes and that the set objectives will be achieved,” she noted.

The agenda of the session that kicked off on 5 July comprises reports of three general committees: on political affairs and security; on economic affairs, science, technology, and environment; on democracy, human rights, and humanitarian affairs. Resolutions to be adopted as a result of the discussions will lay the foundation of the Minsk declaration, which will formulate recommendations for national governments, parliaments, and the international community on response to pressing challenges and threats. The declaration will also include a number of additional resolutions initiated by individual MPs.

Belarus, for instance, has prepared the resolution “Development of timely and effective legislative, regulatory, administrative measures to respond to the emergence of new psychoactive substances.” Kyrgyzstan supports the Belarusian initiative.

Rada Tumanbaeva pointed out that the delegation of Kyrgyzstan is following closely the organization of the OSCE PA session in Minsk since the 27th OSCE PA Annual Session will be held in Bishkek.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly was established in Madrid, Spain in April 1991. It comprises 323 MPs representing 57 nations. The OSCE PA is focused on assisting with interparliamentary dialogue, supporting democratic institutions in the OSCE member states, enhancing cooperation and security in the region. The annual summer session is the key event in the OSCE PA’s work. During such sessions, top OSCE PA officials are elected and declarations and resolutions are adopted.