OSCE Chairman-in-Office Rau concludes visit to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia

WARSAW, 8 June 2022 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office (CiO) and Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Zbigniew Rau, concluded his visit to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Mongolia.

In Kazakhstan, Rau met President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Chairmen of the two chambers of parliament, Maulen Ashimbayev and Yerlan Koshanov, and the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Akan Rakhmetullin. Minister Zbigniew Rau also talked with Human Rights Commissioner Elvira Azimova and civil society representatives.

During the talks, Minister Rau reaffirmed the OSCE’s support for the ongoing reforms in Kazakhstan, including the constitutional referendum that took place on 5 June. The head of the Polish MFA emphasized that the OSCE Programme Office in Nur-Sultan is engaged in supporting further reforms of the police and the judiciary, local governments, and strengthening the institution of the Human Rights Commissioner.

“The reform programme by the president of Kazakhstan includes at all its stages crucial improvements related to human rights, civil liberties and institutional responsibilities, in line with OSCE commitments,” said Minister Rau. He added that a concrete example of these are amendments to the constitution put forward for a nationwide referendum held last Sunday. Moreover, the head of the Polish MFA discussed the dynamic security situation in Central Asia.

In Uzbekistan, Minister Rau talked with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Norov, the Chairwoman of the Senate, Tanzila Narbayeva and the First Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament Akmal Saidov.

The chief of Polish diplomacy emphasized the positive contribution of the OSCE to efforts related to the implementation of President Mirziyoyev’s reform agenda in Uzbekistan. He also presented ideas on how to strengthen the involvement in the region. He encouraged the consolidation of dialogue between government and civil society and the further promotion of human rights.

“Uzbekistan's ties with the OSCE have a long tradition. The OSCE highly values Uzbekistan as an active member of the Organization since 1992. On the 30th anniversary of the accession of Central Asian countries to the OSCE, I would like to confirm the OSCE’s continued support for Uzbekistan and declare my readiness to further strengthen this co-operation and consolidate partner relations,” emphasized Minister Rau. He also thanked his interlocutors for their promoting peace and stability in Afghanistan, building trust and good neighborly relations in the region, as well as solidarity with the most vulnerable. Support to the civilian population is one of the priorities of the Polish OSCE Chairmanship.

During his visit to Mongolia, the OSCE CiO met with Mongolia’s President Uchnaagijn Chürelsüch and Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh.

Poland’s chief diplomat emphasized that the OSCE recognizes Mongolia’s political and constitutional reform processes, which include substantial achievements in the areas of human rights, civil liberties, as well, as institutional responsibilities in line with the OSCE commitments. He encouraged the country to enhance co-operation with the Organization and to benefit from its potential of supporting the government in implementing further reforms.

While congratulating Mongolia on the tenth anniversary of its participation in the OSCE, Minister Rau noted that the current turbulence undermining the region’s stability makes it even more important for all participating States of the Organization to act together for the sake of peace and security.