Foreign Minister Valtonen to visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen will visit Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on 10–11 June. This is her first visit to Central Asia as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The aim of the visit is to strengthen the OSCE’s partnership in the region.

During her visit, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen will meet the state leadership of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as the staff of the OSCE field operations and civil society representatives. While in Tashkent, Minister Valtonen will also visit a university to give a speech to the students.

“The OSCE has field operations in all Central Asian countries. Because of its long-term presence in Central Asia, the OSCE plays an essential role in strengthening democratic institutions and stability in the region,” says Minister Valtonen. 

As OSCE Chair, Finland aims to respond to Central Asia’s growing interest in cooperation within the OSCE aligned with agreed principles.

As OSCE Chair, Finland emphasizes the Helsinki Principles, which were jointly agreed in 1975. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act.