Skopje, 12 April 2025 (MIA) - The official launch of the one-stop-shop system for joint border control of passengers and goods at the Blace-Elez Han border crossing with Kosovo marks the beginning of a new phase in the relations between our two countries, Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said Saturday.

With this project, he stated, we are opening a new chapter of connectivity, faster transportation, enhanced trade, tourism, and friendship between our two countries.

He highlighted that, thanks to the commitment of both governments, the ministries of internal affairs, and the border services, a fully functional system has been implemented in less than a year through the construction of new physical and digital infrastructure, allowing for only one stop and one passport control.

“This is a result of the agreement between the two governments and the protocol that regulates the method of border and customs controls, infrastructure, data exchange and cost-sharing. The goal is clear – faster, simpler and safer border crossing,” stated Toshkovski following the official launch of the one-stop-shop system for joint border control of passengers and goods.

As he noted, this means for passengers one check instead of two, shorter waiting times, and a better experience, while for the authorities – more efficient work, better coordination, and a stronger fight against illegal activities.

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, stated that the launch of the one-stop-shop system for joint border control of passengers and goods is a significant step in coordination between the two countries, with tangible results that contribute to facilitating international flow and fostering closer ties between the citizens of both countries.

“Today, we are marking the successful implementation of a project by our interior ministries that simplifies control at this and the Globochica border crossing. This reflects our shared goal of open yet secure borders. The one-stop-shop border format has already been successful with Albania, and I am confident it will be with North Macedonia as well,” Sveçla said, at the ceremony attended by Prime Ministers Hristijan Mickoski and Albin Kurti.

As allied countries, he added, we will continue to cooperate to ensure security, so that our countries are never a safe zone for any illegal activity.

The Blace border crossing is one of the most frequented in the country, serving over 4.3 million passengers annually. It holds importance for both Macedonian and Kosovar citizens, as well as for international transit of people and goods.

Photo: screenshot