Meeting with the Chief of Mission of the Council of Europe

President Vučić praised the good cooperation of the Republic of Serbia with the Council of Europe and pointed out that significant progress has been made in the past 17 years since our country's accession to the Council of Europe. The President pointed out that Serbia counts on the Council of Europe's help, as this organisation can help reform the judicial system, reform the system of public administration and local self-government, as well as improve the protection of the rights of national and other minorities.

 

"We are determined to continue partnership cooperation with the Council of Europe and to work on its further improvement," said President Vučić, adding that Serbia attaches great importance to the implementation of the CoE's programme in Serbia, including joint programmes between the Council of Europe and the European Union.

 

President Vučić reiterated Serbia's commitment to strengthening political dialogue in the region, and especially economic cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans, and pointed out that Serbia is among the leading countries that have managed to provide an exceptional climate for resolving all open issues peacefully and responsibly.

 

The Chief of Mission of the Council of Europe in Belgrade, Tobias Flessenkemper, emphasised the significant role of Serbia in the work of this organisation, primarily through the consistent and constant implementation of the CoE programme, highlighting that he welcomes Serbia's efforts in implementing reforms. He called on the Serbian authorities to make more use of the advisory capacity of the Council of Europe in the reform process, as well as in improving the work of the Parliament.

 

Flessenkemper also pointed out that the Council of Europe is marking the 70th anniversary of the European Convention on Human Rights this year, and that an event will be held in Serbia on 4th November at the University of Belgrade. He called on President Vučić to jointly mark the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the Council of Europe Office in Belgrade in the spring of next year.

 

The head of the CoE mission added that the Council of Europe would continue to actively and closely cooperate with Serbia on all major projects, to include more intensive cooperation with the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the more active participation of Serbia in upcoming projects organised by the Council of Europe.

 

 

Belgrade,

3rd November 2020