Skopje, 11 October 2022 (MIA) - North Macedonia and the Interior Ministry have always had a proactive and open approach and they have always been an active and credible partner of the UN, especially of UNHCR, Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski said Tuesday addressing the general debate of the 73rd session of the UNHCR Executive Committee in Geneva. The country, he added, has been committed to the Global Compact on Refugees and Global Compact for Migration. "We've been hard at work to align our legislation with the EU laws, several documents involving asylum and migration have been passed as well as EU directives, which have been already incorporated in our legislation," Spasovski said. The Interior Ministry, he stressed, is committed as regards migration to enhancing and maintaining international cooperation with the countries in the region, with the transit countries and countries of origin, with EU agencies and other relevant international organizations and also by taking active part in numerous international and regional platforms, initiatives and processes. Spasovski mentioned that a twinning project on aligning national border management systems with EU and Schengen demands was finalized successfully last year, which also resulted in a national strategy on integrated border management according to the European concept for integrated border management. According to him, increased border management and response to illegal migration is of joint interest of North Macedonia and the EU and UNHCR as well. Spasovski revealed that the Frontex agreement between North Macedonia and the EU is expected to be signed soon saying the agreement will contribute to the fight against illegal migration and strengthened security on EU's external borders. He also referred to the positive aspect of North Macedonia's international positioning after joining NATO in 2020 and after making progress since 2017 in rule of law, democracy, human rights, developing the model of inter-ethnic relations and with being committed to regional cooperation and good neighborly relations. As a result, North Macedonia in 2023 will take over the role of OSCE chairmanship holder, Spasovski added. Ending his speech, Minister Spasovski said North Macedonia remains a strong supporter of the UN as a committed and responsible partner in the global dialogue and a strong generator and pillar of peace, stability and security in the Balkans, Europe and beyond. https://youtu.be/BM4-qmbCkVw