Throughout my long professional career, I have almost always maintained close contact with diplomacy. There are several observations I have consistently held about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

1.    It is a highly professional institution;

2.    It plays a fundamental role in the country;

3.    It has traditionally been the ministry that enjoys the best cooperation with the Chamber.

At the same time, however, I have also observed certain weaknesses:

1.    Personnel-related shortcomings (the appointment of unqualified external staff);

2.    The unrealistic pursuit of grand international ambitions disconnected from reality;

3.    Ridiculously small representation budgets for our diplomatic and consular missions, barely sufficient to buy a few sunflower seeds for guests.

Last week in Brussels, however, something stood out from the ordinary—and, to my pleasant surprise, in a very positive way.

1.    Our diplomats who welcomed me in Brussels were courteous and highly professional.

2.    The official vehicle fleet was surprisingly good.

3.    The premises of our Mission were excellent, both in terms of location and facilities.

All of this encouraged our hosts—the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee—to provide us with impeccable and highly professional support.

For that reason, I have decided to publicly acknowledge the individuals whom I believe are bringing about a positive shift in our diplomacy and who are beginning to deliver on the Government's policy of transforming the Ministry of Foreign Affairs into a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.

Pece Bosheski from Bitola, who has been in this profession since 1971; Mbaresa Istrefi-Shakiri from Struga; Ersin Baki; and finally, Ambassador Zulfi Ismaili—together they formed a team that functioned as one. We had time for professional commitments, meaningful discussions, exchanging views, and agreeing on further avenues for cooperation.

If membership in the European Union is the destination we are striving toward, then our Mission at the heart of the EU must become the starting point for that journey. It should be well equipped, adequately funded, and prepared to meet the greatest challenges. It is time to leave mediocrity behind and demonstrate through example that leadership is defined by purpose and fundamental values—and that those values are inseparably linked to the responsible use of citizens' money and to serving the public interest.