NICOSIA — The growing and complex security challenges and threats facing Europe, including the deteriorating security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, make it imperative that all member-states of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) respect the OSCE's principles in practice and not just pay lip service, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said on Friday in his speech at the 27th OSCE Ministerial Council, which was held via teleconference.

Referring in particular to the "frozen conflicts", Dendias stressed the need for commitment to efforts for political settlements on the basis of international law. He underlined the role of the OSCE, which is a valuable platform for dialogue and enhancing security in Europe, through an inclusive approach and a comprehensive approach to the political, economic and social aspects. He further emphasised the importance of promoting cooperation among Mediterranean partners, recalling the recent OSCE Mediterranean Conference, as well as with Asian partners.

Finally, he congratulated the outgoing Albanian OSCE chairmanship for its job amidst of difficult conditions, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and wished success to Sweden, which will succeed it.