Skopje, 25 May 2022 (MIA) – Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski held a meeting Wednesday in Rome with his Italian counterpart Luciana Lamorgese during which a memorandum of cooperation in countering illicit trafficking of drugs was signed. Such meetings provide opportunities to enhance cooperation that is of vital importance to the efficiency of the fight against crime, Spasovski said during the meeting. “Joint activities in the fight against current security challenges are considered a progress in international cooperation and increased exchange of information is the best proof that we are prepared to establish favorable security climate, thus accelerating the EU integration process,” said Spasovski. He stressed that cooperation between the Macedonian and Italian interior ministries is at high level characterized by quality and efficient exchange of intelligence, the Interior Ministry said in a press release.
The cooperation memorandum on countering illicit drug trafficking was signed by Sasho Tasevski, Head of the Interior Ministry’s Public Security Bureau, and Lamberto Giannini,  Chief of the State Police and Director General of Public Security. Speaking at the meeting, Minister Spasovski referred to illegal migration along the Western Balkan route saying it is still one of the key priorities of the Interior Ministry. North Macedonia and Italy, he mentioned, have been also cooperating to strengthen capacities in preventing violent extremism and the fight against terrorism so as to improve the efficiency of the border control authorities, manage migration trends, fight against terrorism and organized crime by improving technical and administrative capacities to discover, investigate and prevent terrorism, said the press release.
Furthermore, Italian Minister Lamorgese congratulated Spasovski on North Macedonia being selected as a host of the 50th European Regional Interpol Conference in 2023. According to her, it is yet another confirmation of the police reforms, joint cooperation and the country’s stability and security. “Today’s signing of a memorandum concludes an important segment of our cooperation in terms of sharing information. This is a very important day for both ministries that solidifies our friendship and partnership,” Lamorgese said adding Italy supports North Macedonia in training for police officers regarding rule of law and the fight against organized crime and terrorism.