Montenegro is ready for the six-month chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE), which begins in November this year, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović.
Ibrahimović participated in the two-day Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Council of Europe, which was held in Chisinau as part of the Moldovan presidency.
As announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MVP), Ibrahimović assessed the important role of the Council of Europe (CoE) in promoting human rights, democracy and the rule of law, as well as strengthening European democratic resilience in a time of increased challenges facing even the most developed democracies.
He emphasized that a resilient democracy is not one that limits freedoms, but one that strengthens institutions, protects human rights, and empowers citizens to resist manipulation and disinformation.
"Ibrahimović assessed that Montenegro's twenty-year membership in the Council of Europe proves that reforms based on common standards bring lasting results and contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions," the statement said.
He said that Montenegro is committed to European integration by 2028, stating that the Western Balkans remains a key area where cooperation and European integration are crucial for the lasting peace and security of the region.
Ibrahimović emphasized that he is particularly looking forward to Montenegro's upcoming six-month chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, starting in November.
"During the ministerial conference, Ibrahimović conveyed strong support for Ukraine, as well as for the Council of Europe's efforts to ensure accountability and achieve justice," the statement said.
As announced, on the sidelines of the conference, Ibrahimović, in the presence of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berce, signed the European Convention on the Protection of Archaeological Heritage.
It is stated that this confirms Montenegro's commitment to preserving cultural heritage and implementing European standards in the field of archaeological heritage protection.
Ibrahimović held several bilateral meetings during his stay in Chisinau.
In a conversation with the President of the European Court of Human Rights, Matijas Giomar, he said that Montenegro supports that court, stating that the European Convention on Human Rights and the system on which it is based represent one of the key values of modern Europe.
"Ibrahimović emphasized that support for the CoE convention system remains one of the priorities during Montenegro's upcoming chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers and expressed his readiness to intensify cooperation," the statement said.
Ibrahimović also met with Federal Counselor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignacio Cassis, with whom he discussed the importance of multilateralism and joint action in preserving values, as well as responding to common challenges.
"During the conversation, the importance of preserving regional stability in the Western Balkans through close cooperation and support for reform processes was emphasized," the statement said.
Ibrahimović and Cassis stressed that they are ready to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the current Swiss chairmanship of the OSCE and the upcoming Montenegrin chairmanship of the CoE Committee of Ministers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Ibrahimović also attended an official dinner dedicated to Ukraine in Chisinau, which was organized by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, Mihai Popsoi.
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