Skopje, 13 October 2022 (MIA) - Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi held Thursday a meeting with President of the National Council of the Federal Parliament of Switzerland, Irène Kälin, informing her about the current and future activities of the institution. Interlocutors agreed that the two countries have an open and intensive dialogue at the highest level, on a friendly basis and mutual understanding. "We discussed the donations that the Swiss Confederation gives to the Republic of North Macedonia, specifically for the Assembly and the Parliamentary Support Program with which we are working on reforms from the Assembly's Strategic Plan for a functional, open, digital, secure parliament, as well as the development of parliamentary diplomacy and efficient parliamentary service. I believe that we are well on our way to a truly modern parliament," said Speaker Xhaferi. Xhaferi informed Kälin about the active participation of North Macedonia as a NATO member state in the activities to contribute to collective peace and security, especially after the current developments in Ukraine. "Regarding the European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia, the European Commission has released the progress report, in which the importance of an active and positive role for the progress of the Parliament as a forum for constructive political dialogue, especially for the EU reform agenda, was emphasized. In that context, I informed President Kälin that we started the screening process this September, which should strengthen domestic institutional capacities," said Xhaferi. He added that the Parliament will focus on the process of constitutional amendments in the coming period, as a prerequisite for entering the next phase, as well as on deepening cooperation with Switzerland, especially in the economic sphere. Regarding the constitutional amendments, he expressed hope that all political factors will show responsibility and awareness of the importance of the success of this process for the holding of the next intergovernmental conference, because as he said, this step is especially important at a time of military, energy, economic and health crisis. Kälin, on the other hand, said that the political parties in the coming period should develop a democratic and constructive debate on the issues related to the amendments to the Constitution. "I know that lately your country has made great progress, the change of the Constitution for the purpose of continuing negotiations with the European Union will be an important event on the way of progress, and I hope that a democratic and constructive debate will develop in the next few weeks and months, which will determine what is best for the future of the country. It is never easy to find a compromise, but there are no alternatives to compromise, despite the fact that sometimes compromise is difficult and painful. It is not my task to evaluate the relationship between the ruling and opposition parties, but I hope that a successful dialogue will be conducted in the Parliament, we have a different system in our country, mutual dialogue is conducted in order to reach a consensus, I hope that you will pave the way even though it is bumpy and I hope you will overcome all the challenges," Kälin emphasized. She added that the support for North Macedonia on its way to Euro-Atlantic integration and to strengthening the rule of law and democracy will continue in the future. "In Switzerland, there is a diaspora integrated into Swiss society, but we also cooperate on other levels to achieve an efficient parliamentary democracy. In such difficult times, which are marked by constant crises, it is very important for countries that defend democracy and human rights, while at the same time taking care of the environment, to join forces to find common solutions for current and future challenges. Switzerland supports close cooperation with North Macedonia so that it can implement its reforms, their goal is the rule of law and strengthening human rights, improving the living conditions of the population and protecting human nature and facing the challenges arising from climate change," emphasized Kälin. She noted that transparent and responsible parliaments have an important role in the protection of values, and the Russian aggression called into question and attacked values such as respect for international law and democracy. dk/ik/