Madam Chairperson, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic States Parties to the Treaty on Open Skies – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden.

First and foremost, allow me to express our sincere appreciation to the Chair of the Conference – Bosnia and Herzegovina – for its efforts in organizing this important event.

The Fifth Review Conference took place against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. We also unequivocally condemn Russia’s continued military aggression, including the illegal occupation of Georgian territories.

It is deeply regrettable that the States Parties were unable to agree on the Final Document, due to the position of a single State Party – Belarus. The fact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is indisputable. Agreeing on the Final Document would have provided an important opportunity to reaffirm the principles and commitments that all States Parties endorsed when signing this Treaty. A joint declaration would have reinforced our collective responsibility to uphold and protect these foundational obligations.

We continue to recognize the value and importance of this Treaty, and therefore stress the need – once Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has ceased – to look ahead to the full implementation of the Treaty’s provisions and the decisions of the Open Skies Consultative Commission (OSCC).

I kindly request that this statement be attached to the official journal of the Conference.

Thank you, Madam Chairperson.