Ohrid, 8 May 2023 (MIA) – Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski, in his role as host of Interpol's 50th European Regional Conference, held in Ohrid, said on Monday that North Macedonia’s three decades of membership in the organization are proof of the commitment and readiness for an active global police cooperation, continued exchange of ideas and joint activities with the goal of global security.

“The latest geopolitical developments at a global level, bolstered by the digitization and technological development, showed that we are facing sophisticated mutual security challenges that require mutual responsibility, a joint approach and united efforts,” said Spasovski.

At the press conference with Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock, the Interior Minister said Interpol is a key organization providing global security, calling the organization “our serious partner for cooperation, exchange of information and securing synergy between the numerous global and regional efforts and initiatives.”

Spasovski stressed that as an Interpol member, North Macedonia exchanges information with other member states and the General Secretariat, while also having access to the global bases of crime-related data. 

“But, as a country, we also contribute to the international police cooperation nurtured by this organization. Our commitment towards Interpol is reflected in the numerous activities on a national, regional and global level, while our commitments are aimed at exchanging crucial data supporting investigations throughout the world. We are continuously focusing on applying modern methodologies that will secure exceptional and efficient prevention, and the application of innovative solutions for police and security issues, and with that a strengthened fight against global crime,” said Spasovski.

In the context of marking Interpol’s 100th anniversary, the Interior Minister pointed to the successful activities and operations realized in the past few years, as part of the established cooperation. He said that Interpol’s National Central Bureau in Skopje is constantly exchanging operative information, findings and data in the field of international searches for persons and vehicles, violent crime and terrorism, financial crime, illegal trade with drugs and weapons, identification of individuals etc.

Spasovski said that as part of Interpol operations, transcontinental routes for migrant smuggling, human trafficking and illegal migrants have been identified and new international investigations have been initiated, during which 270 illegal migrants have been discovered in the country.

“This is one more indicator that the fight against the modern global challenges is strengthened, more successful and more efficient through the necessary global and regional approach, active operational cooperation and joint action strategies. Especially taking into account the country’s geostrategic position, in which several crime routes intersect, connecting the East and the West. As a result of the activities of the Interior Ministry in the field of regional and international cooperation, as well as the serious reforms, the Ministry has achieved its best results in the last 30 years when it comes to tackling modern security challenges,” said Spasovski.

At the press conference, the Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock said North Macedonia is a secure country, noting that there is no region without threats. Stock added that the Ministry’s successful work, as a reliable Interpol partner, contributes to the good security situation in the country.

Regarding the illegal trafficking of goods and persons, the Secretary General said the solution lies in cooperation, sharing information and making use of Interpol’s tools and services.

Stock stressed that Interpol excludes politics and works to intensify police cooperation, focusing on the readiness for new threats caused by the new technologies, as an example, the Secretary General pointed to the monitoring of cryptocurrencies and the strengthening of the network of police cooperation.

“Especially strengthening the network of security agencies in Europe, but also connecting Europe with the rest of the world, because the threats are often coming from outside of Europe. This is why it is very important that we have guests from other continents at our conference in Ohrid,” said Stock.