News

The Ministerial Troika of the Community of Democracies, represented by the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal, Mr. Luis Amado, who chaired, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, Mr. Vygaudas Ušackas, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mali, Ambassador Al-Maamoun Baba Lamine Keita, met for the first time in Lisbon, on 23 January 2009.  The Executive Director of the Permanent Secretariat of the CoD, Professor Bronislaw Misztal, also attended the meeting.

The Troika had a fruitful exchange of views on the preparations for the Lisbon Ministerial Conference of the CoD to be held on 10 and 11 July 2009.

The Troika acknowledged the profound changes that have occurred in the world since the Community of Democracies was created in 2000.  In view of the need to reflect on the consequences at the global level of the current international financial crisis, the Troika agreed with the theme proposed by the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs of Portugal to the Lisbon Ministerial Conference: "New Challenges to Democratic Governance: the impact of the global economic and financial crisis".

The Troika discussed the Portuguese intention to organise, in cooperation with civil society, a Seminar in Lisbon, on 23 and 24 March, to pursue the substantive debate on the theme of the Lisbon Ministerial Conference.

The Troika underlined its commitment to work, together with the non-governmental process, towards a participative and successful Ministerial Conference.  The Permanent Secretariat pledged its support to this endeavour.

With the objective of ensuring more continuity between Presidencies and enhancing the CoD’s efficiency, the Troika recommended the establishment of regular Ministerial Troika meetings every two years.

The Troika welcomed the key contribution of the non governmental process to the work of the Community of Democracies.

The Troika reaffirmed the importance of the Community in promoting and supporting Democracy, through an effective and inclusive dialogue, and its will to enhance the Community’s role namely by defining mechanisms of active and sustainable exchange of good practices.  In this context, the Troika reiterated that the first "Geremek prize for outstanding achievement on Democracy promotion" will be awarded at the Lisbon Ministerial Conference.