The non-governmental sector represents our partner in the achievement of sustainable development and Macedonia's full-fledged membership in the European Union, said Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Abdilaqim Ademi at Monday's opening of workshop "EU Accession Talks in Environment Field and Role of NGO Sector".

He stressed the seminar, supported by the Swedish government, aimed towards improved understanding of NGOs and the Ministry over mutual commitments and rights in the Euro-integration process.

"Cooperation with the NGO sector is an important factor in the achievement of our goals. The Ministry requires the support from the non-governmental sector, so that the environment portfolio assumes an important spot in our society", added Ademi.

Swedish Ambassador to Macedonia Lars Wahlund said efforts in the environment sector were closely related to the country's civic spirit, whereas the country needed the NGOs and vice versa.

"The degree of NGO participation is a measure of the citizens' involvement, but the government's role is also important", emphasized Ambassador Wahlund.

According to him, a green society is not created only by the state and the laws, but by every citizen.

The non-governmental sector represents our partner in the achievement of sustainable development and Macedonia's full-fledged membership in the European Union, said Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Abdilaqim Ademi at Monday's opening of workshop "EU Accession Talks in Environment Field and Role of NGO Sector".

He stressed the seminar, supported by the Swedish government, aimed towards improved understanding of NGOs and the Ministry over mutual commitments and rights in the Euro-integration process.

"Cooperation with the NGO sector is an important factor in the achievement of our goals. The Ministry requires the support from the non-governmental sector, so that the environment portfolio assumes an important spot in our society", added Ademi.

Swedish Ambassador to Macedonia Lars Wahlund said efforts in the environment sector were closely related to the country's civic spirit, whereas the country needed the NGOs and vice versa.

"The degree of NGO participation is a measure of the citizens' involvement, but the government's role is also important", emphasized Ambassador Wahlund.

According to him, a green society is not created only by the state and the laws, but by every citizen.