Press release
Minister of State Peter Burke leads Ireland’s delegation at OSCE Ministerial Council
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
Skopje, 1 December 2023 - Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Peter Burke joined Ministers from 57 countries at the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Ministerial Council in Skopje, North Macedonia this week.
Addressing OSCE participating states, Minister Burke underlined Ireland’s support for the OSCE as a crucial part of our collective European security architecture and reiterated Irish support for Ukraine.
Speaking at the Ministerial Council, Minister Burke said:
“The Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine continues to wreak devastation on the country and its people. This unprovoked and illegal invasion of a sovereign country has reinforced the need for effective rules-based cooperation in our region.”
Alongside EU High Representative Josep Borrell, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron, Minister Burke further outlined Ireland’s support for Ukraine and stated that there is no justification for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
While in Skopje, Minister Burke held meetings with OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid, UK Minister for the Armed Forces James Heappey and Foreign Minister of Andorra Imma Tor Faus.
In the margins of the Ministerial Council, Minister Burke attended an event focused on the unlawful detention of Ukrainian citizens in Russia. as well as one hosted by Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen that heard testimonials by families of civilians taken hostage by Hamas.