Skopje, 19 February 2025 (MIA) - The Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia received Wednesday a mobile command center vehicle as a donation from the Embassy of the United States. 

According to the Red Cross, the vehicle represents an operation and communication mobile center and will enable quick and efficient response to crises, connection with all institutions that are part of the crisis management system, as well as with mobile response teams on the ground. The vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for communication with all institutions, and specialized interiors including TETRA radio stations, a thermal drone, satellite internet access and power supply. It can be used in fires to search for missing persons.

Red Cross General Secretary Sait Saiti said the vehicle brings additional content to the Red Cross to enhance its operational capabilities in dealing with disasters, and is an opportunity to improve the organization's partnership capacities for cooperation with the institutions of the system. He pointed out that as a final benefit, the vehicle will improve the state system in dealing with crises and disasters.

"It enables quick response on the ground, faster communication and coordination with operational centers in the country, and of course, it also creates opportunity for cooperation with regional platforms in the area of response," said Saiti. 

U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler, said she was pleased that the operation and communication mobile center is going to help the Crisis Management Center, which is crucial to responding to crises. 

"You all understand very well how important this is and how important it is to be prepared for crises. Preparation is urgent and a critical part of this, and we feel very strongly that this amazing mobile operation center is going to contribute to that. You all know from last summer, with the fires, how important it is to be prepared, and we are really delighted and honored to be a part of your efforts in addressing that. Let me just say that it is a wonderful day, we look forward to seeing this in action, and it will literally save lives," said Aggeler. 

Crisis Management Center (CMC) director Stojanche Angelov said the donation will boost the entire Macedonian crisis management system. 

"The vehicle will be of great help to the entire system. Having such a vehicle is good because we never know when an accident or disaster will strike," Angelov said. 

Photo: MIA