Türkiye marks 50th anniversary of Helsinki Accords with renewed security commitment

Türkiye commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Accords on Friday, emphasizing its continued dedication to the European security framework established during the Cold War era.

The Helsinki Final Act, signed in 1975, created the foundation for what would become the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), establishing principles for dialogue and cooperation across Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions during a period of heightened East-West tensions.

"Signed in 1975 within the process of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which was initiated during the Cold War to reduce tensions and disputes between opposing blocs, the Helsinki Final Act laid the foundations of a security architecture based on dialogue and cooperation in a broad region spanning across the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian geographies, establishing core principles remaining relevant today," the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends the 31st Ministerial Council meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), held under Malta's presidency at the exhibition center in Ta'Qali near Valletta, Malta on December 5, 2024. (AA Photo)

Türkiye maintains founding member status

As an original signatory to the accords, Türkiye has backed the process from its inception, according to the ministry. The country "has not only reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and stability, but also actively contributed to the development of the European security architecture based on the principles of international law."

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland Elina Valtonen attends the panel discussion during the Helsinki +50 Conference, marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act in Helsinki, Finland, on July 31, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Active participation continues through OSCE transition

Türkiye maintained its commitment when the conference transitioned into the OSCE in 1994. The country "continues to actively contribute to the OSCE, which is the largest regional security forum based on a comprehensive security approach encompassing politico-military, economic and environmental, and human dimensions," the ministry stated.

Recognizing the OSCE as a key pillar of peace and stability across the region, Türkiye actively supports efforts to improve the organization's effectiveness and operations.

"Going forward, Türkiye will resolutely continue to pursue active diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation in support of multilateralism and will remain committed to contributing to stability and peace in the OSCE region, despite all the challenges faced today," the ministry added.

August 01, 2025 12:25 PM GMT+03:00