First Turkish Elected as Secretary-General of the OSCE – Sözcü Newspaper
Feridun Sinirlioğlu Makes History as the New Secretary-General
In a historic moment for Turkey, retired Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioğlu has been elected as the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Sinirlioğlu’s appointment marks the first time a Turkish citizen has held this prestigious position within the organization.
A Brief Overview of the OSCE
The OSCE is the world’s largest regional security organization, operating in 57 countries across Europe, North America, and Central Asia. Established in 1975 with the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, the OSCE initially served as a dialogue and confidence-building mechanism between the Eastern and Western blocs during the Cold War.
Over time, the organization’s mandate has expanded to encompass a wide range of issues, including security, human rights, democratization, and economic development. The OSCE plays an active role in preserving peace and facilitating reconciliation processes in conflict-prone regions such as Ukraine, South Caucasus, and Western Balkans.
Meet Feridun Sinirlioğlu: A Distinguished Diplomat
Born in 1956, Feridun Sinirlioğlu completed his education at Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Science before earning a master’s degree in international relations from New York University. He began his diplomatic career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, serving in various overseas postings before assuming the position of Undersecretary of the Ministry from 2009 to 2016.
In 2016, Sinirlioğlu was appointed as Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, where he represented the country on the global stage. His wealth of experience and diplomatic acumen have positioned him as a respected figure in international affairs, paving the way for his historic election as the OSCE Secretary-General.
Turkey’s Rising Influence on the Global Stage
Sinirlioğlu’s appointment not only reflects Turkey’s growing influence in international diplomacy but also underscores the country’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and conflict resolution. As the first Turkish Secretary-General of the OSCE, Sinirlioğlu’s tenure is poised to bring a fresh perspective and proactive approach to addressing the complex security challenges facing the region.
With his diplomatic expertise and strategic vision, Sinirlioğlu is well-equipped to lead the OSCE in fostering dialogue, promoting stability, and upholding the organization’s core values of peace, security, and cooperation. His historic election marks a significant milestone for Turkey and reaffirms the country’s dedication to contributing to global peace and security efforts.
