Skopje, 22 December 2023 (MIA) - Minister of Labor and Social Policy Jovanka Trenchevska and Slovenian Minister of Labor, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Luka Mesec signed Friday a memorandum of cooperation on employment, gender equality, social and child protection policies.

Interlocutors discussed the inclusion of young people in the labor market, challenges countries face with labor policies and bilateral ties between the countries.

"In the past, we learned from Slovenia's experiences about safety and health at work, but also in shaping the Youth Guarantee commitment for our country and employment policies. One of the most pressing challenges facing our country is the population decline and increasing migration. That puts a pressure on the Macedonian economy, pension and healthcare system and labor market," Trenchevska said.

Improving work conditions, she added, and the standards of living, as well as the commitment to increased engagement of the labor market, “is a clear indication that the Government invests in its citizens”.

Minister Trenchevska stressed that in the process of Euro-integrations North Macedonia will receive necessary support from Slovenia's Labor Ministry on joint activities.

Slovenian Minister Mesec noted that youth migration is a problem of the states themselves, which is why cooperation between both ministries in activating young people and employment is of great importance.

"Past generations of my family were part of those who wanted to move out of the country, which is still an issue today. That is why our cooperation in the area of improving laws for engaging young people and employment are of great importance," Mesec said.

The memorandum stipulates that both ministries can exchange experiences and information about social and child protection policies. They will cooperate on current issues, such as employment and unemployment insurance, employment policies with a focus on youth employment, social security, and engaging socially vulnerable persons, child protection policies, inclusion of Roma people, preventing violence against women and children, social security, social inspection, freedom of movement of workers, and social policy and employment, as well as structural and cohesive financial instruments of EU programs.ssh/ad/

Photo: MIA