Skopje, 12 December 2024 (MIA) – President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova met Thursday with the UNHCR Regional Director for Europe, Philippe Leclerc, and attended the event marking the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations with UNHCR.

During the meeting, as reported by the Siljanovska Davkova’s Office, she congratulated on the anniversary, stating that UNHCR had a crucial role in protecting and supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals without documents and identity.

To affirm UNHCR's contributions and role, Siljanovska Davkova highlighted the Olympic Laurel award, which this year was presented to Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, at the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris by the International Olympic Committee.

“During the talks with Leclerc, she expressed her gratitude to UNHCR for thirty years of cooperation with the Macedonian authorities in advancing human rights, protecting refugees, and building an inclusive society. She also highlighted her readiness to further strengthen the partnership and engage in regional and global humanitarian initiatives. The President is proud to have been part of the parliamentary group that brought about changes to the relevant laws, which resolved the status of hundreds of individuals without documents and identity, mainly refugees. As a result, she received special recognition from Mr. Filippo Grandi for her pioneering role in refugee protection,” as stated in the press release.

As part of the anniversary celebration, a discussion was held on the past experiences of UNHCR and the government regarding refugees, and the exhibition "Black and White Lives" was displayed.

Photo: President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova’s Office