San Marino's Captains Regent Alice Mina and Vladimiro Selva paid an official visit to the Council of Europe. The Captains Regent, who serve as the country's joint heads of state, are elected every six months in the Republic of San Marino, representing a unique model of democracy based upon civic autonomy and self-government. Minister for Education and Culture, University and Scientific Research and Youth Policies Teodoro Lonfernini was also part of the delegation.
Meeting with the Secretary General
The visit started with a meeting with Secretary General Alain Berset focusing on the vital importance of multilateralism and the essential need of reinforcing democratic resilience across the continent.
The Captains Regent expressed San Marino's strong support for the Council of Europe's conventions, policies and actions, mentioning in particular the New Democratic Pact for Europe.
"San Marino reminds us that democracy is not measured by size, but by the strength of institutions, the trust of citizens and a commitment to shared rules. In today's Europe, small states play an essential role in defending multilateralism, international law and democratic security. San Marino's civic tradition, rooted in autonomy and self-government, is a powerful expression of the values at the heart of the Council of Europe," said Secretary General Berset.
The Secretary General attended the investiture ceremony of the Captains Regent during his visit to San Marino on 1 April this year. On that occasion, he highlighted the country's rich heritage alongside its present role as a strong democracy committed to Council of Europe values.
Exchange of views at the Committee of Ministers
The Captains Regent also addressed the ambassadors of the Council of Europe's 46 member states, who meet regularly as the Ministers' Deputies, underlining the role of San Marino in the Organisation and its commitment to the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law.
San Marino has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1988. It has chaired the Committee of Ministers twice: in 1990 and between November 2006 and May 2007. Its latter presidency underscored the promotion of intercultural dialogue end the interreligious dimension, leading to the adoption of the San Marino declaration.
The Council of Europe and San Marino
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
