Partner States and organizations
The Organization maintains a regular dialogue and co-operation with 11 Partner States and a large number of other international, regional and sub-regional organizations. The Mediterranean and Asian Partners of Co-operation comprise 11 states: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia; and Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. The OSCE’s key partner organizations are the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, and NATO.
The OSCE Secretariat is responsible for maintaining the relationship with both the Partners for Co-operation and the partner organizations. With this, it has an advisory and support role for the Organization’s Chairmanship and the respective Chairs of Contact Groups with the Mediterranean and Asian Partners. It is responsible for the planning and organization of regular events with the Partners, including an annual Mediterranean Seminar and an annual joint conference with an Asian Partner.
The Secretariat also organizes regular bilateral and multilateral meetings at the level of headquarters between the OSCE and its partner organizations and initiatives, to build synergies and draw on the strengths and advantages of each organization. As a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter, the OSCE serves as a forum for co-operation with regional and sub-regional organizations and initiatives in the OSCE area.
To address the potential spillover of new security threats between the OSCE area and adjacent regions, the Organization also works with regional organizations outside the OSCE area. The goal is to share experience in early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management, post-conflict rehabilitation, promotion of human rights and democratic elections.