Maia Sandu and Alain Berset open May 15 meeting in Chisinau
President Maia Sandu and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, will open the ministerial session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (CoE) on May 15, marking the conclusion of the Republic of Moldova's presidency of the organization. More than 50 delegations from member states are expected to attend the session, including over 20 Ministers of Foreign Affairs, in Chisinau.
Delegations will be welcomed at the Palace of the Republic starting at 08:00. The official opening of the ministerial session will take place at 09:00 and will feature speeches from President Maia Sandu and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popșoi, as well as an address from Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the agenda for the meeting will reflect the priorities established by the Republic of Moldova during its presidency. Topics will include continued support for Ukraine, with a focus on post-war responsibility and reconstruction, combating disinformation and foreign interference, enhancing security, and strengthening democratic resilience.
Ministers will also discuss the Democratic Pact for Europe, the Council of Europe's future external action strategy, migration, and the enhancement of international cooperation and multilateralism. At the end of the event, the rotating presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe will be transferred to the Principality of Monaco.
Following the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister 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 will hold a joint press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters at 14:00.
The Republic of Moldova assumed the presidency of the organization on November 14 in Strasbourg. This marks the second term for our country since its accession, following the first in 2003.
Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi expressed that for the Republic of Moldova it was "an honor and a great responsibility" to lead this organization. He emphasized, "The Council of Europe is one of the most important European platforms for the defense of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights. Leading this organization for six months was both an honor and a significant responsibility for our country."
The meeting on May 15th represents the 135th Ministerial Session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
