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Feridun Sinirlioglu Becomes First Turkish Citizen to Lead OSCE for 3-Year Term

Dec 6, 2024, 02:30 PM

Feridun Sinirlioglu, a former Turkish ambassador, has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) for a 3-year term. This marks the first time a Turkish citizen has held this position in the organization's 50-year history, signifying a historic moment for Turkey's role on the international stage. Sinirlioglu's appointment was supported by all 57 member states, including Russia, Greece, Armenia, and Cyprus, showcasing a broad consensus on his leadership. His election comes at a time when the OSCE faces significant challenges, particularly with Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Sinirlioglu's background includes serving as Turkey's Foreign Minister and UN Ambassador, bringing a wealth of diplomatic experience to his new role. His appointment is seen as a step towards strengthening Turkey's influence in regional stability efforts, particularly in facilitating ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan congratulated Sinirlioglu on his appointment, highlighting Turkey's active role in international diplomacy.