At the meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe held in Helsinki, Finland, Acting Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Gent Cakaj stated that ways have to be found to strengthen the Council of Europe, whose stated aim is to uphold human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, by providing support to and looking for ways how to further improve on the work of the Organisation.

‘Albania supports the Council of Europe’s mission and efforts, and similar support, both political and financial, must be provided by all the Member States,’ Acting Minister Cakaj said in his speech.

Having congratulated Finland on the work done under its Presidency of the Council of Europe during the first half of the current year, the Head of Albanian diplomacy dwelt on the Council of Europe’s policies designed for the Balkan region.

Cakaj underlined that the Organisation will be even more successful across the Balkan region if Kosovo joins the Organisation, as well. Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe would benefit both Kosovo itself and the Organisation.

Acting Minister Cakaj attended the reception on the occasion of the 70^th anniversary of the Council of Europe, with the Foreign Ministers of all the Member States of this Organisation being present.

At the end of the Ministerial, the Ministers approved a Statement, and a number of decisions aimed at ensuring consolidation of the Organisation, and preservation of its Pan-European character.