Strengthening regional cooperation in combatting crime: Highlights from Skopje briefing

Adrian Efros, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, and his counterpart, Panche Toshkovski, the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, held a press briefing.

During the briefing, Efros spoke about the alignment of regional cooperation between the two countries participating in the South-East European Cooperation Process with the goal of enhancing stability and security in the region. This alignment aims to provide concrete technical support to ensure stability from European and Euro-Atlantic perspectives in the South-East Europe.

He also addressed recent security challenges stemming from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which also affects the South-East European region. Efros called for a proactive approach of the participants in the Cooperation Process towards these threats, encouraging further dialogue and integration into the EU and NATO to foster regional stability.

“I am honored to be in Skopje today, alongside my counterparts, to enhance our capacity to address challenges and threats posed by criminal activities that often transcend our borders. We can be stronger and more effective together, which is why joining forces will bring better results in the fight against crime and ensure a better life for the citizens of our countries”, said Minister Efros.

Regarding cross-border crime, illegal migration and human trafficking, Efros emphasized the importance of cooperation among the participating countries in the fight against criminal networks in order to protect citizens and social peace.

To enhance cooperation and coordination in combating all forms of crime, Efros announced plans to intensify the information exchange, to activate contact centers for police cooperation among neighboring countries, conduct joint training sessions for police forces, and facilitate experience-sharing among networking police academies and training centers.

Both counterparts reiterated that only through joint efforts can countries effectively combat organized crime more effectively and deliver benefits to citizens of member countries.