Skopje, 22 August 2023 (MIA) - The donation from the United States Embassy of body cameras which are to be used to document events involving law enforcement officers, as well as the two specialized vehicles for uncovering radioactive material or for radiation protection, further strengthens the quality and efficiency of the work of the Macedonian Police, Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski said on Tuesday during his visit to the Bogorodica border crossing with the United States Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Aggeler.

He emphasized that the United States Government though the US Embassy in Skopje is the strongest partner and cooperator in integrated border management though a series of joint programmes and projects.

"We are here at the Bogorodica border crossing to get a first-hand experience on how the Macedonian police does its work with support from the US Embassy and their valuable donation of technical equipment to the border police, and above to strengthen the joint fight against corruption. This confirms the continuity of the strong strategic partnership and cooperation between North Macedonia and the United States," Spasovski said.

He added that body cameras will not only be used by the border police, but also by the traffic police, and they will be a great tool in the fight against institutional corruption, while also changing the relationship between citizens and law enforcement.

“Since 1990,” he informed, “the strategic partnership between North Macedonia and the United States has increased, and new conditions have been created for the establishment of modern institutions that will respond to the challenges at any time.”

"I want to thank Ambassador Aggeler for her commitment to our cooperation, but also to the US Government for the entire support they have given us in the past 30 years of independence, and I hope that we will continue with such activities which are in the interest of the Macedonian citizens and the entire region, in the future as well," Spasovski stressed.

During the visit, Ambassador Aggeler speaking in Macedonian said “the cooperation between North Macedonia and the United States is showing positive and visible results.”

"It is a pleasure to be able to see how our cooperation with the Government and Ministry of Internal Affairs produces positive results for the citizens of this country. Since 2016 we have provided equipment worth over USD 4 million for border security. The equipment includes body cameras that will play a significant role in the country's safety," Aggeler said.

According to the Ambassador, the body cameras are in a way a weapon to be used to fight corruption, but also for the protection of law enforcement and the citizens of North Macedonia.

"We stand together with the citizens, Government and Ministry, and we continue our cooperation, which I believe is particularly important for the security and prosperity of this country," Aggeler added.ssh/ad/

Photo: MIA