Who is OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu?
A file photo dated November 4, 2015, shows Türkiye's Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu attending a meeting in Erbil, Iraq.
(AA Photo)
Feridun Sinirlioglu, a retired Turkish diplomat with a distinguished career spanning over four decades, has recently made history by becoming the first Turkish citizen to be appointed Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE).
His appointment, confirmed at the OSCE’s 31st Ministerial Council Meeting in Malta, has placed him at the forefront of one of Europe’s largest and most influential regional security forums.
Born on January 30, 1956, in Gorele, Giresun, Sinirlioglu’s path to international diplomacy began with his studies at Ankara University’s Faculty of Political Science, followed by a master’s degree and doctorate in Political Science and International Relations from Boğaziçi University. His educational background laid the foundation for a career dedicated to advancing Türkiye’s foreign policy on the global stage.
Sinirlioglu’s diplomatic journey began in the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he held various important roles over the years. Notably, he served as the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs twice, first from 2009 to 2015 and then again from 2015-2016. These roles saw him navigating complex international challenges, including those within the United Nations and other international institutions.
From 2016 to 2023, Sinirlioglu represented Türkiye as its Permanent Representative to the United Nations. His tenure at the UN was marked by his active involvement in peace and security issues, and in 2023, he was appointed by the UN Secretary-General as the Special Coordinator for the Independent Assessment of Afghanistan, underscoring his diplomatic expertise and ability to manage delicate international crises.
Sinirlioglu’s appointment as the OSCE Secretary General is seen as a significant achievement not only for him personally but also for Türkiye. The OSCE, established in the early 1970s under the framework of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, has grown into the largest regional security forum in the world, with a mandate that includes conflict prevention, human rights protection, and fostering cooperative relationships across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.
As the first Turkish diplomat to hold this position, Sinirlioglu’s appointment represents a notable moment in Türkiye’s increasing influence in global diplomacy. His vast experience in international relations and security issues positions him well to lead the OSCE in addressing the complex challenges of the 21st century, including conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
Sinirlioglu’s appointment is expected to strengthen the OSCE’s role in fostering dialogue and cooperation among member states, while also highlighting Türkiye’s diplomatic influence in international organizations.
