Skopje, 17 October 2024 (MIA) - Minister of European Affairs Orhan Murtezani met Thursday with the Director of Programme Co-ordination of the Council of Europe Claus Neukirch, discussing North Macedonia's key priorities in the context of European integrations and strategic cooperation with the Council of Europe. 

Minister Murtezani highlighted the Government's commitment to further strengthening the rule of law, promoting democratic processes and protecting human rights - areas that are the foundation of the mandate of the Council of Europe, the Ministry of European Affairs said in a press release. 

He pointed out that cooperation with the Council of Europe is of crucial importance for the implementation of reforms in the judiciary and the fight against corruption, in order to meet the highest European standards and support the country's European path.

Talks focused on the joint programs of the European Union and the Council of Europe, such as the "Horizontal Instrument for the Western Balkans and Turkey", which actively support the reform processes in the country and the region.

Murtezani and Neukirch also discussed the engagement of the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) and the Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), which provide continuous oversight and technical support in these key sectors.

"Interlocutors highlighted the significant role of the Program Office of the Council of Europe in Skopje in the implementation of projects and monitoring progress on the ground, in order to ensure the highest standards are implemented in practice," reads the press release. 

Murtezani and Neukirch agreed that joint efforts will further continue with an intensified dynamics, taking into account the priorities of the new Government and the necessity of reform progress that will bring North Macedonia closer to its ultimate goal - European Union membership.

Photo: Ministry of European Affairs