Skopje, 28 October 2022 (MIA) – Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski met Friday with UK Special Envoy to the Western Balkans, who was accompanied by British Ambassador to the country Matthew Lawson. Minister Spasovski thanked the UK for the active support in dealing with the challenges and realization of the Republic of North Macedonia’s strategic goals, resulting in NATO membership and the start of negotiations with the EU. The great commitment to building a partnership has resulted in successful reform processes of the MoI and, overall, of security services, as well as strengthening the Ministry’s capacities. Peach’s congratulations over the signed Frontex agreement, which is important for European security, given the fact it was signed in Macedonian language, affirmed the commitment to building partner relations between the UK and North Macedonia, with the aim and desire to strengthen them, given in mind current global challenges, such as the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the energy crisis, the border crisis, hybrid attacks and cyber security etc., where everyone needs an ally, the MoI said in press release. Interlocutors agreed that migration is both a problem and a security challenge, and because crime finds new pathways and forms, cooperation in solving global security challenges is a must. Going from the fact that both countries share similar challenges, interlocutors pointed out that the main goals are to preserve the security of borders and citizens, and also to treat refugees humanely. Minister Spasovski also referred the increased detection by 70% of attempts to cross the border illegally by migrants, who mostly try to use the southern border. dk/ik/