Public administration is the foundation of every functional and just community. As such, it must not be our challenge, but a key force towards strengthening democracy, announced the Minister of Public Administration, Maraš Dukaj.
The Ministry of Public Administration (MPA) announced that Dukaj made this statement at a meeting with the Minister of Public Administration of North Macedonia, Goran Minčev, on the sidelines of the Digital Summit in Skopje.
The statement added that Dukaj spoke about the goals and results of the MPA, as well as projects aimed at eliminating challenges on the path to reform and digitalization, with special emphasis on achieving European Union (EU) standards in the pre-accession negotiation process.
The MPA said that Dukaj also expressed satisfaction with the recently signed Memorandum of Cooperation, which, as stated in the statement, envisages strong cooperation in achieving common goals.
"Public administration is the foundation of every functional and just community. As such, it must not be our challenge, but a key force towards strengthening democracy. In this sense, we have recognized the importance of regional cooperation and the exchange of best practices in this area. The signing of the Memorandum represents an important step towards strengthening institutional capacities and strengthening partnership relations between our countries. Achieving European standards, full membership in the EU, is our priority obligation and a common choice without an alternative," Dukaj emphasized.
Minchev said that "public administration reform is not only an internal state need, but also an external signal that our institutions are ready for European standards, for modern governance and real partnerships in the region."
"This cooperation confirms our commitment to transparency, efficiency and mutual support on the path towards European integration," said Minčev.
The MPA said that a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed in June this year, which serves as a solid foundation for strategic and continuous communication between the two ministries, enabling the joint implementation of projects and initiatives supported by international partners and the European Union.
Dukaj: Several important laws within our jurisdiction have been adopted, and others, which are essential for democratic development, are in the process of being adopted
The MPA also said that Dukaj, during his official visit to North Macedonia, met with the Speaker of the Parliament of that country, Afrim Gashi.
The statement says that Dukaj introduced Gashi to the goals, priorities and tasks of the MPA, such as the public administration reform process, cybersecurity, decentralization and strengthening of the local self-government system in Montenegro.
He spoke about the steps that the MPA is taking to amend electoral legislation and improve local governments, as holders of power that are in direct contact with citizens.
"In order to achieve the standards of advanced countries, I emphasize that several important laws within our jurisdiction have been adopted, and others, which are essential for democratic development, are in the process of adoption. We are dedicated to the development of local governments with special attention, and the Ministry has submitted two initiatives to the Parliament: All local elections on the same day and direct election of municipal presidents and mayors. In cooperation with the European Commission, we are creating new and modifying existing mechanisms of direct and quality support to local self-governments as holders of power in direct relations with citizens," said Dukaj.
He emphasized that the two countries have traditionally inherited good and friendly relations and that there is room for deepening cooperation in the field of public administration reform.
"The cooperation of two countries, which strive for a common goal, gives us the strength for the rapid changes that are expected of us in the pre-accession negotiations with the EU," said Gashi.
The statement also states that Gaši thanked Dukaj for the visit, welcomed Montenegro's efforts on its path towards the European Union, and emphasized the need to improve institutional cooperation in relevant areas.
Bonus video:
