The Secretary General of Interpol, Valdesi Urquiza, arrived today (July 8, 2026) in Ohrid, marking the beginning of his official visit to the Republic of North Macedonia. At the "St. Apostle Paul" airport, Secretary General Urquiza was greeted by the Director of the Bureau for Public Safety, Aleksandar Janev, where the two held a bilateral meeting.
The meeting focused on activities aimed at strengthening operational cooperation, information exchange, and enhancing joint mechanisms to tackle modern security challenges, as well as deepening the partnership with Interpol and improving international police cooperation, which is one of the key prerequisites for an effective fight against cross-border and organized crime and for greater safety of citizens.
As part of the official visit to Ohrid, the Secretary General of Interpol, accompanied by the Director of the Bureau for Public Safety, visited some of the city's most significant cultural and historical landmarks. During the visit, he was introduced to the rich cultural heritage and historical values of Ohrid, which, as a natural and cultural treasure, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The visit to the landmarks provided the high-ranking guest with an opportunity to closely familiarize himself with the tradition, culture, and historical significance of Ohrid, one of the oldest and most renowned cities in the region.
The Secretary General of Interpol, Urquiza, along with the Director of the Public Security Bureau, Janev, visited the mixed Macedonian-Serbian police patrols engaged in Ohrid during the summer tourist season. During the visit, the Secretary General was briefed on the functioning of the mixed patrols and their role in ensuring greater security for citizens and tourists. It was emphasized that this model of international police cooperation contributes to enhancing trust among police services, more effective communication with foreign visitors, and a higher level of safety in tourist centers.
Ohrid, as part of the world cultural and natural heritage protected by UNESCO, symbolically marked the beginning of this visit—because security means not only dealing with threats but also caring for the protection of values, heritage, and the wealth we carry through generations.
The visit of the Secretary General of Interpol continues tomorrow in Skopje, with the official part of the program, which includes activities at the Ministry of Internal Affairs, a visit to the Police Academy, meetings with the highest state leadership, and discussions on further enhancing international police cooperation.
