Skopje, 22 November 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski, Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska Koshocka and the OSCE Mission in Skopje signed Friday a Memorandum of Cooperation, aimed at achieving greater efficiency in dealing with organized crime and corruption and ensuring quick, coordinated and effective responses, the Ministry of Interior said in a press release. On the event sidelines, Public Security Bureau director Aleksandar Janev and Customs Administration Director Boban Nikolovski signed a Protocol for the implementation of the memorandum between the two ministries, which regulates bilateral cooperation in the effective fight against all types of crime.

Interior Minister Toshkovski said this type of cooperation is crucial for achieving a comprehensive and effective approach in the fight against organized crime.

"The documents signed today are a realistic solution in finding ways to confront the challenges destroying our society. I believe that through dedicated, skilled and professional cooperation between the institutions, this can be put into practice. That is our goal, that is why these institutions exist, and it's the only way to show our will in fighting organized crime and corruption. I am confident in the potential of people and institutions, we just need to focus, have a clear goal in mind, and strive to achieve it," Toshkovski stressed.

Finance Minister Dimitrieska Kochoska pointed out that the signing of the two documents is a step forward towards fighting crime that poses a threat to the country’s development.

"Prevent and stop - is the goal of this memorandum that is a basis for strengthening cooperation between the two institutions and their bodies, one that will be achieved through coordinated actions, data and information exchange, joint activities and actions, electronic connectivity, joint education and expert cadres," noted Dimitrieska Kochoska.

Janev stressed that the Public Security Bureau is the main carrier of activities for policing and countering organized crime, while border control is one of the pillars of the national border management system, preventing illegal crossings, cross-border control, maintaining public order and peace at borders.

"Cooperation is achieved through coordinated work, joint actions, improving cooperation on a national (central, regional, and local) and international levels, through data exchange and risk/risk management analysis, implementing joint activities and actions, forming joint working groups and commissions, provision of mutual professional and technical assistance as well as joint use of technical means and equipment, faster and more efficient exchange of information and data, electronic connectivity, as well as joint education and professional training of personnel,” explained Janev.

According to Nikolovski, organized crime, illegal trade and corruption continuously find new ways to operate and the response must be stronger and united.

“With the memorandum and protocol, the Public Security Bureau establishes the basis for a new and even tougher fight against organized crime by promoting cooperation and strengthening activities in the fight against crime and corruption, including implementing joint criminal investigations for finding the perpetrators," Nikolovski added.

Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Susan Penksa, emphasized that the memorandum is a vital framework for improving inter-agency cooperation in areas such as intelligence sharing, joint operations and training.

"Through this holistic approach, both departments will achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in dealing with the causes of crime and providing a rapid, coordinated and effective response. The protocol is equally important and plays a vital role in the functionality of its strategic objectives. As you move forward, the OSCE Mission to Skopje will continue its long history of support and cooperation with the Government of North Macedonia," said Penksa. ssh/ik/

Photo: MoI