OSCE Secretary General calls for strengthened dialogue and risk reduction amid growing geopolitical fragmentation at the 33rd Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

THE HAGUE, 8 July 2026 – OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu today addressed the 33rd Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in The Hague, the Netherlands. Held under the theme “International Law and Shared Principles: Foundations for Security and Co-operation in the OSCE Area”, the Annual Session brings together hundreds of parliamentarians from across the OSCE region to discuss current security challenges and strengthen political dialogue.

In his remarks, the Secretary General stressed that, at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and growing polarization, the OSCE's role as a platform for dialogue, transparency and confidence-building is more important than ever. He underlined that preserving channels of communication and reducing risks remain essential to strengthening security and stability across the OSCE area.

“Engaging with those we disagree with is not a concession, it is a responsibility. Without it, misunderstanding grows, and so do the risks of miscalculation. This is why keeping channels of communication open – and reopening those that have been closed – is essential to build a secure future for all,” said Secretary General Sinirlioğlu. 

On the margins of the Annual Session, the Secretary General held bilateral meetings with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, the Secretary General of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Roberto Montella, and parliamentary representatives from several OSCE participating States, including Farah Karimi, Head of the Dutch Delegation to the OSCE PA, and Hedy Fry, Head of the Canadian Delegation to the OSCE PA.

Established at the 1990 Paris Summit, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly promotes greater engagement of national parliaments in the work of the Organization. It serves as a forum for parliamentary dialogue and contributes to the OSCE's efforts to advance comprehensive security, democracy, the rule of law and human rights across its 57 participating States.