Skopje, 3 February 2026 (MIA) — Two new grant agreements were signed Tuesday at the Embassy of Japan as part of the Government of Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects program, which provides non-refundable, small-scale funding to NGOs, local governments, hospitals and schools in developing countries.

With a total value of EUR 81,956, the two grants were given to the Endocrinology Clinic in Skopje and to the Municipality of Sveti Nikole.

Ambassador of Japan Setsuko Kawahara said the grants were part of the long-standing cooperation between the two countries aiming to contribute to strengthening the health care and public safety systems.

"With today's ceremony, we would like to show our readiness to further strengthen the friendship between Japan and North Macedonia and continue our support for its reforms," she said, adding that Japan has funded 190 health, education and environmental protection projects in the country through the GGP program since 1996.

The first grant is intended for a new sonography machine for the Endocrinology Clinic. Its director, Dr. Irfan Ahmeti, said the new ultrasound scanner would contribute to improving diagnostics and treatment.

"The new technology will contribute to faster and more accurate diagnostics, better monitoring of endocrine diseases and more efficient adaptation of therapy," Ahmeti said. 

According to him, doctors in the Endocrinology Clinic see over 15,000 patients a year and the new machine will significantly improve their working conditions.

The second grant is for a new fire truck for Sveti Nikole's Fire Department. Sveti Nikole Mayor Dejan Vladev highlighted the importance of Japan's donation for public safety.

"This vehicle will increase the efficiency of our service, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas. In practice, this support means saving lives and material goods. The Municipality of Sveti Nikole highly appreciates our cooperation with Japan," Vladev said.

He added that local firefighters often worked in difficult conditions and the new fire truck would increase their preparedness and operational capabilities.

Ambassador Kawahara expressed her expectation that both grants would be successfully implemented and contribute to improving the living conditions in local communities. mr/