Skopje, 10 April 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski and Chief Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski signed on Thursday a new Protocol on cooperation between the Ministry of Interior (MoI) and the Public Prosecutor's Office (PPO), reaffirming the commitment to strengthening interinstitutional coordination.  

Toshkovski pointed out that the increased commitment to improving and clearly defining the system for combating crime also means constantly promoting the rules of the game, according to which institutions will be able to cooperate, and more importantly, effectively lead the fight against crime, the Interior Ministry said in a press release. 

"Precise rules mean greater efficiency for the institutions, justice and laws, strengthening our mutual coordination and creating a stronger institutional tool for combating all forms of crime and corruption that we see every day. By signing this Protocol, we are laying the foundations of trust and cooperation, where the common goal is clear – successful detection and proof of criminal acts and their perpetrators, as well as efficient implementation of criminal proceedings," said Minister Toshkovski. 

Toshkovski noted that the document sets clear guidelines and rules for police officers and public prosecutors in activities undertaken to identify and prosecute offenders. In addition, it is to improve the functioning and efficiency of criminal prosecution as part of the criminal justice system.

"This is not only a legal document, but a sign of will for joint action, based on trust, transparency and accountability," Toshkovski told the signing event. 

Chief Prosecutor Ljupcho Kocevski highlighted the operational value of the Protocol.

"The Protocol is not a political declaration, but an operational plan based on our criminal procedure laws. It simplifies cooperation procedures, provides clarity in complex cases and strengthens coordination in special investigative measures. Our institutions are faced with highly sophisticated forms of crime, and this Protocol will help us adapt and face those challenges," Kocevski stressed. 

Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl, who facilitated the Protocol, pointed out that the Ministry of Interior and the Public Prosecutor's Office are entering a new phase of cooperation. 

"This is a step to strengthen criminal procedure enforcement, it will have a visible operational effect and will pave the way for joint training and practices. Standard operating procedures and practical tools will enable a much more efficient fight against complex criminal cases, corruption, organized crime, financial crimes and cybercrime," said Ambassador Wahl. 

Photo: MoI