Minister Zaorálek will present the priorities of the Czech Chairmanship, which will prioritize the human rights protection of vulnerable or disadvantaged persons, gender equality, strengthening the rule of law, promotion of human rights education and language skills, supporting local and regional democracy and public administration reforms. It will focus on the cooperation with other international organizations. The priorities alongside with the program of the chairmanship events were approved by the Government of the Czech Republic at its session of May 3, 2017.

The Chairmanship assumes the responsibility for the course and activities of the Organization, the Committee of Ministers being the main executive organ. It sets up priorities, organizes conferences and seminars and has the leading role in resolving current political issues within the mandate of the Council of Europe.

During the session, Minister Zaorálek will also meet with his Cypriot counterpart, Ioannis Kasoulidis, for bilateral talks.

The Czech Republic last presided in the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in 1995.