With the support of the EU4FAST-WB project, coordinated by the EMEA Programme Office for Europe, the Middle East and Africa within the Central Directorate of Criminal Police of the Italian Ministry of the Interior, the Director of the Public Security Bureau, Aleksandar Janev, together with a Macedonian delegation, carried out a working visit to the Italian State Police over the past two days.
As part of the visit, a comprehensive and intensive working agenda was implemented, including a series of meetings with the leadership and expert teams of the Italian Carabinieri, services responsible for combating terrorism and modern security threats, cybersecurity and cyber investigations, child protection in the digital environment and critical infrastructure, border affairs and migration, the security of the city of Rome, international police cooperation and information exchange, as well as the IT Directorate responsible for digital security and the operation of the European EES and ETIAS systems.
During the meetings, discussions focused on the organization and functioning of the services, their operational philosophy and the challenges they face, as well as common security threats and opportunities for further strengthening cooperation. It was jointly assessed that the Macedonian and Italian police already maintain strong partnership relations based on mutual trust, professionalism and openness.
In this regard, future priorities were defined and a framework was prepared for further enhancement of cooperation through faster and more direct exchange of intelligence and information, the implementation of joint operations, the organization of specialized training courses and workshops, case studies, as well as joint research and efforts to counter terrorism, organized crime and mafia structures.
The Italian police possess significant experience and expertise, particularly in combating the mafia, conducting financial investigations, detecting and confiscating illegally acquired assets, as well as in addressing terrorism and violent extremism. This knowledge and experience will continue to be transferred to Macedonian police investigators, contributing to the strengthening of capacities and the enhancement of security in North Macedonia, Italy, the region and Europe.
“I can proudly emphasize that the Macedonian Police remains a strong, reliable and equal partner of the Italian State Police. The foundations we strengthened during this visit represent an additional impetus for deepening our relations, and I am confident that as partners we will continue to act jointly in all areas where our common goals, values and visions for a secure and stable future align,” stated PSB Director Aleksandar Janev.
