Skopje, 4 April 2023 (MIA) - The Ministry of Interior is developing its capacities for proper response in countering organized crime, continued improvement of international cooperation, with a focus on bilateral and multilateral agreements with neighboring countries for cooperation in conducting migrant smuggling investigations, said Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski in Slovenia's Portorož on Tuesday.

Minister Spasovski told the 11th informal meeting of the Brdo Process interior ministers that the MoI supports Slovenia's initiative for establishment of a network of national contact points for streamlining and coordinating the exchange of operational information, especially from the aspect of activities when setting up joint investigations against international organized crime rings, the Ministry of Interior said in a press release. 

"We also support the proposal on involvement of other competent authorities, namely the Public Prosecutor's Office, considering that the prosecutor can significantly contribute to the enhancement of operational cooperation and effectiveness of investigations," said Spasovski.

According to him, the continued promotion of analytical systems from concrete positive practices is always welcome, while supporting the decision of the police chiefs on the use of the "Share Point" platform.

Spasovski noted that cooperation with Slovenian experts has developed by using their expertise and experience in strengthening the capacities for conducting investigations and secure data exchange among national services, faster identification of migrant smugglers and detection of crime ring members.        

In addition, Spasovski highlighted the support provided by the international community, especially the European Commission and member states, in operations and timely exchange of information, but also strengthening of cross-border cooperation.

"We can safely say that the borders of North Macedonia and the entire region are under full control and significant success has been made in migration management. This premise will be reaffirmed once an efficient mechanism for return to countries of origin is set up, since it is one of the main prerequisites for efficient management of illegal migration, along with efficient readmission policies," said Spasovski and thanked the European Commission and its agencies Frontex and Europol for the support and assistance in the fight against illegal migration.

Photo/Video: Ministry of Interior