18 May 2019 - Foreign Minister of Montenegro Srđan Darmanović participated in the 129th session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Helsinki.
The discussion focused on the current challenges, mechanisms for strengthening the work of the Council of Europe, ensuring the long-term effectiveness of the system of the European Convention on Human Rights and the cooperation with the European Union.
"It is our duty to dedicate ourselves to the heritage of the Council of Europe in the year of celebrating its 70th anniversary and contribute to a successful response to the challenges and changes witnessed in today's Europe," said the Montenegrin Foreign Minister at the session of the CoE Committee of Ministers, adding that Montenegro is strongly committed to preserving the common values of the European people.
Minister Darmanović reiterated the country's firm commitment to the fundamental principles of the Council of Europe and pointed out the great contribution of the Council to the reform processes of Montenegro and the building of institutional capacities.
"The Council of Europe has contributed to the establishment of key values on the European continent, primarily in terms of strengthening the rule of law and democratic principles," the Foreign Minister concluded.
At the session of the Committee, the ministers emphasised the need for coordinated action, in order to strengthen the ability of the organisation to respond when a member state violates its legal obligations or does not abide by the standards, fundamental principles and values supported by the Council of Europe.
On this occasion, France took over the semi-annual chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in Helsinki. In that context, Minister Darmanović stressed that Montenegro would continue to the priorities of the French presidency, among which are strengthening the system of the European Court of Human Rights, protecting the most vulnerable population and further promoting the Istanbul Convention.
Minister Darmanović also attended the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Council of Europe.
Prime Minister of Montenegro recently hosted Ambassador of Finland Pertti Ikonen on his visit to Montenegro and they concluded that the bilateral relations between Montenegro and Finland are excellent, and strong and serious steps towards strengthening economic relations are especially encouraging.
