Monday, 21 February 2022
PRESIDENT XHAFERI MET WITH THE STEERING GROUP OF THE SWEDISH RIKSDAG
The President of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mr Talat Xhaferi had a meeting with the Delegation of the Steering Group of the Swedish Riksdag, led by Ms. Lotta Johnsson Fornarve, Second Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag. The delegation is on a two-day study visit to the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia in the framework of the cooperation for democratic development between the two legislatures.
Welcoming the members of the Swedish delegation, President Xhaferi highlighted that Sweden is a country with a long parliamentary tradition and at a time when the state celebrates 100 years of democracy, the Republic of North Macedonia celebrates its 30 years of independence. The Assembly gladly accepted the Swedish initiative to establish the democratic development cooperation, which is mutually beneficial for both legislatures and both countries. He also recalled his very successful official visit to the Kingdom of Sweden in 2017 and the audience of the King of Sweden, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf. Xhaferi stressed that it is especially valuable for us that both the Swedish public and the Swedish Parliament give broad support to the membership of the Republic of North Macedonia in the European Union and expressed hope that in the coming months the obstacles will be overcome and the first intergovernmental conference will be held, signifying the start of negotiations for membership in the European Union.
President Xhaferi stressed that in the Republic of North Macedonia, as a multiethnic, multiconfessional and multicultural state, there is a strong commitment to building a society that respects diversity, because it is the cornerstone of security and prosperity of the country. Regarding regional cooperation and relations with neighbours, he informed that continuous work is being done to create a positive atmosphere and to resolve bilateral issues in the spirit of good neighborliness and fundamental European values.
The Second Deputy Speaker of the Swedish Riksdag, Ms. Lotta Johnsson Fornarve, thanked for the warm hospitality and noted that during the study visit to Stockholm, the MPs, in an atmosphere of open and friendly dialogue, debated the importance of gender equality, relations with voters and civil society, openness and transparency, parliamentary control, the work of committees and the legislative role of parliaments. She expressed hope that during this study visit MPs will return to some of the topics, with special emphasis on relations with civil society. She expressed confidence that Sweden's strong support for the European integration path of the Republic of North Macedonia will continue in the future and informed that in 2023, Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The interlocutors exchanged views and experience regarding the work of the plenary session, the filling of the seats in the committees, and the broadcasting of the sessions and the working bodies on the parliamentary channel.