ISTANBUL 

Russia appreciates Switzerland’s interest in resuming diplomatic talks, Foriegn Minister Sergey Lavrov said as he met top officials of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).

“We appreciate that, upon assuming the OSCE chairmanship, Switzerland, through you (OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis), has shown interest in resuming concrete diplomatic dialogue with the Russian Federation,” Lavrov said in opening remarks in a meeting with Cassis and OSCE Secretary-General Feridun Sinirlioglu in Moscow.

He said Sinirlioglu’s participation in the talks would add concreteness to the discussions they will hold in the Russian capital, which will “necessarily touch on global processes that negatively impact the OSCE."

He argued that the OSCE has currently found itself in a situation of “profound crisis” and has come “close to the real threat of self-destruction.”

"The reason is very simple,” Lavrov expressed, citing most Western countries and their “departure” from principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act and the declarations adopted at OSCE summits “in subsequent years.”

“Yesterday, we began a detailed, informal discussion on this pressing issue with everyone present. And I expect that we will continue it today in a formal setting,” he added.

For his part, Cassis, who is also Switzerland’s foreign minister, highlighted the importance of his and Sinirlioglu’s visit to Moscow, saying the Swiss chairmanship in the OSCE seeks to make progress in restoring dialogue between the organization and Russia.

“It's very important for us to be here, because the OSCE is your organization too. I don't want to repeat my country's position on the war in Ukraine — it's well-known — but I believe it's necessary to confirm that our organization's doors are open.

“Indeed, over the past three years, it's been impossible to establish dialogue due to the differences between various states. This is regrettable, and we want to make progress on this path,” Cassis expressed.

Both Cassis and Sinirlioglu arrived in Moscow on Thursday after visiting Kyiv earlier this week, where they met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

Earlier, the Swiss foreign minister said he would be visiting Kyiv and Moscow, without providing further details.

“For the OSCE, which I have the honor of presiding over this year, Switzerland, under my leadership, has clearly articulated its priorities: The OSCE should refocus on its core tasks – protecting peace and security in Europe.

“To achieve this goal, we all need to be at the table, not just those who share my views. That is why I will soon be visiting Kyiv and Moscow,” Cassis said, according to a transcript published by the Swiss government.

Switzerland assumed the chairmanship of the OSCE this year. The organization’s chairmanship was held in 2025 by Finland.