Slovenia To Donate Helicopter Parts to North Macedonia: A Step To Strengthen Cooperation and Modernize Policing

Slovenia To Donate Helicopter Parts to North Macedonia: A Step To Strengthen Cooperation and Modernize Policing

Boosting North Macedonian Police Operations

Slovenia has revealed plans to donate helicopter components and spare parts to North Macedonia in a move aimed to enhance the operational duties of the North Macedonian police. The donation is expected to aid in a variety of tasks, including rescue missions. This decision was announced during a meeting between Slovenia’s Interior Minister Boštjan Poklukar and his North Macedonian counterpart Oliver Spasovski. As part of their meeting, the ministers are also scheduled to visit the Slovenian Police Air Unit at Brnik.

Applauding Modernization and Cooperation

Poklukar extended his congratulations to Spasovski on the ongoing modernization process of the North Macedonian police, a process which includes the anticipated opening of a national forensic laboratory. The ministers also deliberated on ways to bolster cooperation in other areas, such as organized crime, human trafficking, smuggling, and migration management.

Joint Efforts in Addressing Migration

Spasovski underscored the significance of collective efforts in addressing shared issues such as migration. He pointed to the presence of Frontex, a European Border and Coast Guard Agency, at the Macedonian-Greek border, where Slovenian police also operate, as an opportunity for sharing experiences. He emphasized that a common policy of regional countries and the EU could bring about positive results. Poklukar lauded North Macedonia’s management of migration, labelling it effective.

Addressing Migration at its Source

Spasovski also argued that the EU and the international community should take responsibility and address the migration issue at its source, in the home countries of the refugees. He contended that without such an approach, European countries would only be grappling with the consequences of the problem.

Gratitude for Assistance in Natural Disasters

Poklukar expressed gratitude to North Macedonia for its assistance to Slovenia following devastating floods in August, particularly recognizing the invaluable help provided by the Macedonian military in the Črna na Koroškem area. Poklukar also conveyed his belief that North Macedonia would eventually become an EU member, a prospect Slovenia continues to actively support.