Skopje, 11 January 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Interior Oliver Spasovski met in Washington with Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary For International Affairs at U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Robert Paschall, the Ministry of Interior said in a press release.

Minister Spasovski thanked the United States for its support and assistance to North Macedonia, including from the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice and State Department, especially through the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), and emphasized that the meeting is a symbol of the strengthened partnership and cooperation between both countries in area of internal security.

"Our commitment to strengthening internal security is essential to protecting our citizens and preserving democratic values. Therefore, it is important to carry out joint trainings, information exchange and joint operations, in the form of a Memorandum of Cooperation to significantly contribute in dealing with transnational crime, terrorism, cyber threats and other security challenges," stressed Spasovski and added that US expertise, resources and experience are invaluable in improving the capabilities of law enforcement agencies and the cooperation between both countries.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Paschall said that the United States values its partnership with North Macedonia.

"We appreciate your efforts as a country, and you are one of the top 10 countries that cooperate with the United States in the fight against terrorism, which is important for the security of all citizens," Pascall noted.

Interlocutors discussed the US Visa Waiver Program and illegal migration and border security that are extremely important for the visa-free regime.

Talks concluded that we should make it possible for all law-abiding citizens to travel without any concerns, and difficult and impossible for the others, the press release reads. ssh/ik/

Photo: MoI