Berovo, 27 August 2021 (MIA) – The tragedy that happened in Berovo and the  huge support residents of the Maleshevo region received from Slovenia stressed the fact that we must enhance support from friends by creating policies aimed at increasing firefighting cooperation, Defence Minister Radmila Shekerinska said on Friday evening during a working visit to Berovo with Slovenian counterpart Matej Tonin. “Therefore, we agreed in Berovo as part of our strategic defence goal to enhance policies aimed at firefighting cooperation and protection and rescue in particular. Slovenia has a lot of experience, which we want to use. The Minister also offered our firefighters a chance to get training in Slovenia, in addition to talks about donating firefighting equipment and reforms realized via a joint program,” Shekerinska stressed. Berovo, according to the Minister, brought firefighters, municipalities and countries closer. The two countries, she added, will forever remember the bond between them and make efforts to strengthen it. Slovenia’s Deputy PM and Defence Minister Tonin expressed satisfaction over being able to help a friend in need. “We responded to your request by sending firefighters and equipment and took part in a successful mission against fires, of which we’re very proud. Slovenian media reported on the situation in Berovo constantly and we’re happy that at the end of the day there were no human or material losses,” Tonin stressed. He added that Slovenia will keep supporting North Macedonia in regard to fire protection, especially through donations. Berovo mayor Zvonko Pekevski thanked the Ministry of Defence for its rapid response, which played a crucial role in managing wildfires. “You’re all aware of what the situation was in the Maleshevo region. Assistance will mean a lot to Berovo for promoting relations with Slovenian municipalities,” Pekevski noted. As a thank you for the assistance Slovenia offered firefighting efforts in the Maleshevo region, the municipality of Berovo handed plaques to Slovenian Deputy PM Tonin, Defence Minister Shekerinska and Slovenian Ambassador to North Macedonia Milan Predan.