Skopje, 27 October 2022 (MIA) – The agreement with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) creates a legal framework for cooperation on joint management of borders and prevention of cross-border crime, says Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski. Minister Spasovski told MTV he is proud that the Government has brought the Macedonian language into the pool of official languages in the EU. “This is the first agreement signed in Macedonian language, demonstrating the prospects of the EU accession negotiations,” says Spasovski. He says that Frontex police officers can be deployed at critical border points when requested by the state, working alongside Macedonian counterparts. “Besides exchange of experiences and knowledge, the Frontex equipment is also available, whereas the biggest benefit is the security of our citizens, the region and the EU,” explains Spasovski. On the long delay for the agreement’s signing, the MoI says the European Commission initiated the procedure back in December 2016. “We set up a negotiating team and initialed the text in 2018, being the first country in the region to complete the negotiations. Why the delay? Because of the Bulgaria blockade. We insisted on signing the agreement in Macedonian language. Several wordings were offered but we insisted on signing the agreement solely in Macedonian language,” says Spasovski. Asked if the agreement has some hidden elements, he says speculation only serves daily politics. “Why does a certain political structure always try to stop the country whenever it needs to move forward, that is the more important question. Nothing is hidden in the agreement. People are always suspicious but this agreement is set to be ratified in Parliament, it will be published in the Official Gazette, which means that every citizen can read it,” notes Spasovski. Regarding the country’s readiness for the agreement, he said professionalism, ethics, integrity, respect of human rights are the foundation of this document, as well as the cooperation of the Macedonian police with the EU and the U.S. in many joint operations. “The capacity and integrity of the Macedonian police make it a worthy partner of European countries,” underlines Spasovski.