The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) is meeting in Istanbul from 17 to 19 November. Representing the Storting is a brand-new delegation led by Marius Arion Nilsen (Progress Party).

“I look forward to attending the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s autumn meeting in Istanbul together with my excellent colleagues in the delegation. An important message we are bringing to Istanbul is that a united Storting continues to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s war of aggression,” says delegation leader Marius Arion Nilsen (Progress Party).

Visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Nilsen recently visited Bosnia and Herzegovina together with the OSCE PA President and colleagues from the Parliamentary Assembly.

“There I gained first-hand insight into the important work being carried out by the OSCE. In these challenging international times, parliamentary diplomacy is more important than ever, and we are keen to contribute,” says Nilsen.

Strong support for Ukraine

The Norwegian delegation is committed to maintaining close contact and cooperation with Nordic and Baltic colleagues. These countries are close allies and stand together in support of Ukraine.

“It will be interesting to get to know our Ukrainian colleagues in the Assembly and hear about their everyday work in Ukraine’s parliament. The delegation is strongly engaged in supporting Ukraine and wants to contribute actively to the Assembly’s work for Ukraine,” says Maria Aasen-Svensrud (Labour Party), newly elected deputy leader of the delegation.

Conflict resolution and reconciliation on the agenda

The purpose of the autumn meeting is to set the course for work leading up to the next main session, which will take place in The Hague in July 2026. The overarching theme of the autumn meeting is the OSCE PA’s role in conflict resolution and reconciliation.

After the formal autumn meeting, it is customary to hold a session with Mediterranean partner countries – the Mediterranean Forum. The situation in the Middle East and the future of Gaza will be on the agenda for this meeting.

About OSCE PA

The OSCE PA brings together delegations from 56 parliaments across the OSCE region. The Parliamentary Assembly has an advisory role in relation to cooperation at the governmental level within the OSCE. The OSCE PA meets three times a year – in February, July, and October/November.

The following Members of Parliament are attending in Istanbul: Marius Arion Nilsen (Progress Party), Maria Aasen-Svensrud (Labour Party), Mahmoud Farahmand (Conservative Party), Bård Hoksrud (Progress Party), Ruth Mariann Hop (Labour Party), and Frode Jacobsen (Labour Party).

More about the OSCE PA autumn meeting: Upcoming Autumn Meeting (www.oscepa.org)