Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova Mihai Popșoi, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset held today in Chișinău a joint press conference marking the conclusion of Moldova’s term as Chair of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and the handover of the Presidency to the Principality of Monaco.
In his press remarks, Minister Popșoi noted that the Republic of Moldova is concluding this mandate at a moment of major importance for its European path and for strengthening the country’s international profile.
“For the Republic of Moldova, this mandate was not only an institutional responsibility, but also an opportunity to demonstrate democratic maturity and our firm commitment to European values,” Minister Mihai Popșoi stated.
Minister Popșoi underlined that the Presidency priorities were implemented through a broad agenda, including over 40 events organised in Chișinău and Strasbourg, as well as more than 10 cultural events. Among the key meetings held during the mandate were the High-Level Conference on the European Social Charter, the Conference on media literacy and information integrity, the meetings of the Bureau and the Standing Committee of PACE, and the meeting of the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe.
He further noted that the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers, held in Chișinău with the participation of over 50 delegations, including 20 Foreign Ministers, provided an opportunity to address the Organisation’s main priorities in a complex regional and international context.
Several important decisions were adopted during the Ministerial Session, including the Resolution on the Special Tribunal for Ukraine, a decision to identify a legal instrument to combat foreign information manipulation and interference, the Chișinău Declaration on Migration and the European Convention on Human Rights, the Strategy on the Council of Europe’s external action, and the Additional Protocol to the Warsaw Convention on the confiscation of assets.
Deputy Prime Minister Popșoi congratulated the Principality of Monaco on assuming the Presidency and expressed confidence that there will be continuity and complementarity between the two successive presidencies.
For her part, Minister Isabelle Berro-Amadeï stated:
“We approach this Presidency with a clear conviction: that a state, regardless of its territorial size, can contribute credibly, effectively and constructively to the work of the Council of Europe. Our presidency will follow a precise direction, reflecting both the Principality’s commitments and the challenges facing our societies: Protecting everyone, through an effective Organisation, able to respond to contemporary challenges.”
Secretary General Alain Berset added:
“I would like to congratulate the Presidence of the Republic of Moldova for the achievements of the last six months and for the Ministerial Session that resulted in a historic decision. Today, member states have taken a decisive step towards the future establishment of the Special Tribunal within the Council of Europe. Accountability for Russia’s aggression is drawing closer.”
In conclusion, Minister Popșoi thanked all institutions and teams involved in Moldova’s Presidency, highlighting their professionalism and dedication.
