Skopje, 7 May 2026 (MIA) - North Macedonia plays a very important role for stability and democratic resilience across Europe and the Western Balkans, heard Thursday's joint press conference of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset, who is on his first official visit to the country.  

"During these three decades, as a full-fledged member of the Organization, we have matured as a democratic society, but we have also actively contributed to the mission of the Council of Europe - protection of human rights, democracy and the rule of law," said Mucunski.

He noted that he and Berse had an open, constructive and friendly discussion about the reform processes, current European challenges and further cooperation.

"I expressed my gratitude for the ongoing support we receive from the Council of Europe, especially through expert assistance in the preparation of important legal solutions and the Action Plan for Minorities as a significant segment of our European path. I expressed particular satisfaction that our country's progress, despite numerous challenges, was recognized with the closure of the post-monitoring dialogue by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in January this year," Mucunski highlighted, adding that this is not only a recognition, but also an additional obligation to elevate commitment to European values, human dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the rule of law.

He stressed that he has reaffirmed the importance of consistent respect by all member states for commitments undertaken, without double standards, and with special emphasis on implementation of the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights.

"I also expressed hope that the Council of Europe will continue to be a moral compass and an objective guardian of democratic standards in Europe. We also tackled current regional and European issues, as well as support for Ukraine, where the role of the Council of Europe is of particular importance. I welcomed Secretary General Berset's leadership in further strengthening the role of the Council of Europe in the current geopolitical context, as well as his personal engagement in strengthening democracy through the New Democratic Pact for Europe. I am convinced that this fruitful cooperation will continue into the period when our country will take over the Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers in November next year. We remain a committed, credible and constructive partner of the Council of Europe," said Mucunski. 

Berset expressed satisfaction with the visit and the cooperation so far, highlighting the country's important role in building stability and democratic standards in the region and in Europe.

"In this geopolitical environment, the Council of Europe holds a very important role in maintaining the democratic course, the stability of Europe as a whole, developing a common legal space for member states to resolve problems together in a common space and European security," he said.

Berset praised the country for its commitment to European values, noting that the Council of Europe cooperates with North Macedonia on issues of minority rights.

Photo: MIA