Skopje, 20 October 2023 (MIA) - Secretary General of North Macedonia's Parliament, Cvetanka Ivanova, met Friday with Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis, as part of the Conference on Inter-Parliamentary Dialogue to Further Promote the European Integration of the Western Balkans held in Skopje.

Ivanova pointed out that over the past six years, the Parliament has been making exceptional efforts to democratize and build capacities and resources in order to make the country a modern parliamentary democracy. 

She pointed out that a digitalization process has been implemented in the Parliament, adding that the new Parliamentary channel is expected to start working. 

"Work is ongoing on improving parliamentary procedures. The adoption of an upgraded Rules of Procedure is expected. Five years ago, we started the Jean Monnet process, which is now in its final phase. The parliamentary rulebook is being adopted inclusively, in broad consultation and with the participation of all parties, including MPs from both the ruling party and the opposition," Ivanova said, highlighting the participation and role of the Parliament in the screening process. 

As regards the cooperation with PACE and the network of the European Center for Parliamentary Research, Ivanova stressed that the cooperation should be intensified. 

PACE Secretary General Despina Chatzivassiliou-Tsovilis pointed out that Western Balkan countries are always a priority. 

She noted that the issue of human resource development is always a big challenge, adding that women can successfully manage work in any field.

In terms of digitalization, she said that it would be good for the services of the PACE and the Macedonian Parliament to exchange experience, in order to improve online services.

Photo: Parliament of the Republic of North Macedonia