Skopje, 16 September 2021 (MIA) – As part of his working visit to Vienna, North Macedonia’s Deputy PM for the fight against corruption and crime, sustainable development and human resources, Ljupcho Nikolovski, met Thursday with Austria’s Federal Minister of Justice, Alma Zadić. Deputy PM Nikolovski presented the current and future government measures to combat corruption. He briefed Minister Zadić on the adoption of the 2021-2025 national programme for alignment with the EU acquis, expressing gratitude for Austria’s support of the reform process in North Macedonia, particularly in the rule of law, his office said in a press release. “Minister Zadić and I are leaders of a young generation of politicians who are honest in their intentions for change which result in bold policies and measures for a society that rests upon order, justice and functionality. North Macedonia made great strides in the fulfilment of its strategic goals its NATO membership, and our results and capacities, and the readiness to start negotiations with the EU are undeniable. We’re now focusing on the fight against corruption and crime, not because the EU requires it, but because it is our duty to provide better living conditions to our people in a society equal for all,” Nikolovski said. Minister Zadić said Austria remains open to provide expert assistance to North Macedonia in the fight against corruption. “Your country has done a lot in terms of the European integrations, and the progress you have made in the fight against corruption is crucial. Austria will remain a strong supporter of North Macedonia. We will share all our experience, particularly in the rule of law and the fight against corruption,” said Minister Zadić. During his official visit to Vienna, on Wednesday, Deputy PM Nikolovski met with the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ghada Waly, as well as UNODC officials, discussing cooperation so far within UNODC Regional Programme for South Eastern Europe. dk/nn