Skopje, 4 May 2023 (MIA) — Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski in New York met with Omar Abdi, Deputy Executive Director at UNICEF, to discuss the country's cooperation with UNICEF, which in 1993 was one of the first two UN agencies that opened an office in the country after it became an independent state, according to an official press release.

Prime Minister Kovachevski said North Macedonia greatly valued the decades of cooperation with UNICEF, which had contributed to the development of the country. In times of crisis, he said, the agency introduced positive changes for generations of children.

At the meeting, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Abdi acknowledged the exceptional cooperation with North Macedonia's government in education reforms, saying they were essential laying the foundations of the country's prosperity.

"On behalf of UNICEF, Abdi congratulated the country on its extraordinary progress in the past 30 years. He expressed satisfaction that UNICEF was a partner of the government and reaffirmed his readiness for further cooperation and support in the reform process," the press release says.

Kovachevski thanked Abdi for the support and the UNICEF initiatives in the country related to child protection, education, welfare, and monitoring children's rights.

Deputy Prime Minister for Good Governance Slavica Grkovska also attended the meeting. mr/