State Secretary Nemanja Stevanovic participated in the 129th CoE Ministerial Session, held in Helsinki, on 16 and 17 May 2019. In addition to other participants, the Session was also attended by 30 Foreign Ministers of CoE member states.

On this occasion, the 70th anniversary of the Organization committed to the promotion of democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Europe was commemorated. A Declaration was adopted that could help solve the crisis facing this international organization.

In his statement, State Secretary Nemanja Stevanovic spoke about the importance Serbia attached to the Council of Europe and its areas of responsibility. He recalled the progress Serbia had made in the previous period and stressed its readiness to continue successful cooperation. He informed the participants about the efforts made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in improving relations with neighbouring countries, which had yielded good results. On the other hand, he underlined that the dialogue with Pristina was threatened by Pristina's undermining and the lack of readiness on its part for true dialogue and cooperation.

Finland handed over the six-month chairmanship of the CoE Committee of Ministers to France.