North Macedonia’s border police on Wednesday received a donation of vehicles and equipment from Germany, amounting to EUR 660,000.

German Ambassador Anke Holstein, who handed over the donation, said that support from Macedonian border police is very important for Germany. According to her, joint management of migration in Europe is key for future success.

“Germany appreciates the support of Macedonian officers in managing migration on the Balkan route. Therefore, it gives me great pleasure that we’re able to thank North Macedonia with this donation. Your efforts are testament to great awareness, responsibility and professionalism,” the Ambassador said.

She added that the Macedonian police dealt successfully in 2020 with migrant smuggling groups and expressed hopes that more success will follow in 2021.

“The importance of our close cooperation is evidenced by the appointment at the German Embassy in Skopje of an officer in charge of relations with the border police in the summer of 2020. Since then, cooperation has run smoothly,” Holstein noted.

She expressed appreciation for this form of cooperation and high hopes that it resumes in 2021.

Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski told the event that strong partnership and honest cooperation characterizes excellent relations between North Macedonia and Germany, set to persist at all levels.

“It’s an undeniable fact that Germany has been our country’s faithful partner and supporter since its independence, contributing to our efforts to build a stable, democratic and prosperous society, ready to become a full-fledged member of Euro-Atlantic organizations,” Spasovski said.

This donation, he underlined, is more than welcome, but what’s more important is that Germany remains North Macedonia’s valuable and significant partner, a close friend of the country on its road to EU integration.