Minister of Internal Affairs Pance Toshkovski held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs of Albania, Albana Koçiu, who is on an official visit to the country.
As announced by the Ministry of Interior, several important issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting, with an emphasis on improving overall cooperation between the two ministries, the plan for implementing the One Stop Shop system with the Republic of Albania by the beginning of the tourist season, the possibility of allowing the "Xhepishte - Trebishte" border crossing to operate continuously 24 hours a day, as well as activities related to the draft agreements between the two governments for the establishment of joint controls at joint border crossings and for the creation and operation of a Center for Police and Customs Cooperation.
"I believe that before the start of the summer season, we can, just as we implemented the One Stop Shop system with Kosovo and Serbia, implement it with Albania and close the non-EU countries with a faster transfer of citizens, which will reduce the waiting time at our borders. We have also considered the possibility that the Xhepiste-Trebishte border crossing in the future, the way it operates now, which is until 8 am in the summer period and until 6 pm in the winter period, continue in accordance with the capabilities and capacities of the two ministries, to operate 24/7 throughout the year, enabling citizens on both sides to have better communication, to achieve a greater number of services on both sides and, in fact, to launch our excellent cooperation to another higher and better level", emphasized Minister Toshkovski.
The visit also included a high-level meeting between the MUP and the Directors of the Customs Services of both countries, dedicated to the establishment of a Joint Contact Center for Police and Customs Cooperation. This center will represent an additional mechanism for faster and more efficient exchange of information, coordination and joint action in confronting cross-border crime, illegal migration, drug trafficking and other security challenges.
"The conclusion of the Agreement on the Establishment and Operation of the Police and Customs Cooperation Center will contribute to the strengthening of cross-border cooperation and border control, as well as to a more efficient fight against illegal migration, organized crime and other security threats. Macedonia has established four joint contact centers - in Deve Bair with the Republic of Bulgaria, in Qafë Thanë with the Republic of Albania, in Blace with the Republic of Kosovo and in Tabanovce with the Republic of Serbia. These centers perform their basic function of exchanging information, sending early warning messages and coordinating in the fight against cross-border crime on a daily basis. The new Police and Customs Cooperation Center will be another strong mechanism in this network", emphasized Minister Toshkovski.
He added that such initiatives are a direct confirmation of mutual trust and strategic partnership between the two countries.
The meeting confirmed the joint commitment of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Albania to further deepen good neighborly relations, strengthen regional stability, and advance the European perspective of the region.
