Afrim Gashi calls for rule-based international order in Rome

Afrim Gashi, President of the Assembly of North Macedonia, addressed a conference of parliamentary presidents and general secretaries of Council of Europe member states held in Rome on October 15–16, 2026.

In his speech, titled ‘Restoring a rules-based international order: the role of parliaments in facing and responding to contemporary crises’, Gashi emphasized that international law is a vital prerequisite for maintaining peace, stability, and state sovereignty amidst geopolitical, security, and economic uncertainties. He advocated for strong institutions to ensure the consistent application of these rules.

Gashi highlighted the role of parliaments in democratic oversight, the legitimization of international obligations, and the promotion of dialogue. He also noted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in building mutual trust and long-term partnerships. Furthermore, he stressed the necessity of regional cooperation and coordinated actions to strengthen collective resilience against shared security and social challenges.