Skopje, 19 December 2023 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski visited Tuesday the Temporary Transit Center “Vinojug” in Gevgelija and spoke to representatives of institutions and organizations that are working there about their ongoing activities, registration of migrants and their treatment.

According to a press release from the President’s Office, Pendarovski visited the family corner where migrants receive education. He was informed about ongoing activities in terms of their psycho-social protection and mental health. In conversations with some of the people who are using the services, the President had a chance to learn about their personal stories and testimonies, as well as their experiences during their stay in the country.

The representatives of the relevant institutions informed President Pendarovski about the capacities of the transit center, as well as about the overall situation on the southern border.

“It was concluded that the security situation is stable without significant changes over the past period. Since the beginning of the year, almost 10.000 migrants have been registered in the country, mainly from Syria, Morocco, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Interlocutors stressed the need for further enhancement of the joint approach by the affected countries; support in the enhancement of national capacities; as well as cooperation with the origin countries,” said the press release.

During his visit to “Vinojug”, President Pendarovski also spoke with representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the leading migration agency of the United Nations. They acquainted the president with their ongoing activities regarding an appropriate treatment of the migrants, international cooperation, finding practical solutions for challenges of migration and humanitarian assistance.

Earlier on Tuesday, President Pendarovski visited the members of the Army who are stations at the building in Mlaz Bogdanci. In his talks with them, he had a chance to get acquainted with their activities and their engagement in tackling illegal crossings at the southern border.

Photo: Office of the President of North Macedonia