Skopje, 12 January 2024 (MIA) - During his visit to Washington, D.C., Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski, met with Assistant Secretary Todd D. Robinson of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, discussing matters related to law enforcement and illegal drug trade.

Expressing gratitude for the meeting, Minister Spasovski emphasized that it provides a significant opportunity to confirm and strengthen mutual commitments in the fight against illegal drug trafficking, which holds a high position on the common agenda, the Interior Ministry said in a press release.

"Your expertise and experience in this field are invaluable to us, and we are grateful for any kind of support and collaboration we can receive from the United States. Additionally, the jointly coordinated actions with the DEA affirm this, with notable importance placed on the operations involving both the Macedonian and Greek police, as well as the Macedonian and Albanian police. These operations, within the territories of Albania and Greece, resulted in the seizure of 429 kilograms of cocaine," Spasovski said.

Spasovski briefed Robinson on the significant accomplishments of the Ministry of Interior in combatting illicit drug trafficking, highlighting them as the best results in the past 30 years.

In this context, Minister Spasovski suggested an initiative to draft an action plan for the reform and sustainability of the criminal justice system, as well as the establishment and implementation of the essential framework for international drug control and cross-border cooperation in the prevention of drug trafficking.

Spasovski pointed out that in our country, a so-called "Anti-Corruption Front" has been set up, which is not a new institution or a collection of multiple institutions, but simply a mechanism aimed at ensuring equal functioning throughout the entire process of taking action and addressing the deficiencies faced in various segments of combating this type of crime.

Ambassador Robinson, the Assistant Secretary of State, expressed contentment following today's meeting with Minister Spasovski. Acknowledged for his in-depth knowledge of the regional circumstances, Robinson reportedly found the presented accomplishments impressive and commended the Minister for the excellent results in combating organized crime and drug-related issues. He affirmed his commitment that in the upcoming phase of reforms, he extends his support and is at disposal to contribute to the anti-corruption efforts, including providing training for police officers and expertise.

Robinson stated that they continue unreservedly to support and collaborate with the institutions in the Republic of North Macedonia in the fight against corruption. He emphasized that on this path, North Macedonia is not alone, as its place is within the EU, and its citizens have long deserved this.

Photo: Interior Ministry