Skopje, 27 November 2023 (MIA) – We see the Aviation Unit as one of the most elite units at the Ministry of Interior, because in its 54 years of existence, since the distant 1969, numerous generations of members of the Aviation Unit, through their activities, commitments, and human potential, have embedded themselves in the development and progress of the Ministry as an important element for the protection of order, safety and security of the citizens and the state, said Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski at an event Monday marking the 54th anniversary since the establishment of the Aviation Unit.

Spasovski stressed that the Unit’s legacy deserves enormous respect, as well as an obligation for further investment in the promotion and modernization of the Unit, as a core part of the security system.

“Through its highly professional approach over the years, the Unit has built itself up as an important operative element that services all professional units and departments at the MoI. The Aviation Unit, through its numerous successful activities, has set high criteria in its work that we are all proud of, but we are also setting new, big expectations both in classic police activities and the numerous humanitarian rescue activities,” said the Interior Minister.

At the event, the State Secretary of the Republic of Slovenia, Tina Heferle, noted that Slovenia and North Macedonia maintain friendly relations founded upon long-lasting bonds and cooperation in several areas. Additionally, she highlighted the “sincere Slovenian support for North Macedonia’s NATO membership and the beginning of accession talks with the EU”.

State Secretary Heferle voiced gratitude to North Macedonia for the assistance it provided in dealing with the floods that struck Slovenia this year, and promoted the helicopter equipment that Slovenia has donated to North Macedonia, as part of its development assistance.

“The donation of the helicopter equipment is a result of the good cooperation between Slovenia and North Macedonia in the field of aviation and police units… I believe that we will continue to foster such good cooperation in the future as well,” said Heferle, wishing the members of the Aviation Unit a safe and successful work.

The event was also addressed by the head of the Aviation Unit, Nenad Aleksovski, who announced the opening of a training center for the Unit.

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