Deputy Minister of Interior, Astrit Iseni, today participated in the fifth meeting of the Informal Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held at the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Austria, H.E. Martin Pammer, the UNDP Resident Representative, Armen Grigoryan, ambassadors and representatives of international organizations.
In his address, Deputy Minister Iseni emphasized that the Ministry of Interior views its participation in the platform as an important responsibility and an opportunity to strengthen national capacities in disaster risk management. He stressed that climate factors, technological changes, cyber challenges and hybrid threats require a coordinated and modern response system.
Iseni pointed out that over the past year the country faced severe fires, as well as the tragedy in Kochani, which once again highlighted the need for a swift and reliable institutional response. He underlined the importance of reinforcing preventive mechanisms, improving operational capacities, and investing in human and technical resources.
As a positive example of international cooperation, he highlighted North Macedonia’s engagement in the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), through which the country received significant assistance in responding to wildfires. He also informed that the Ministry is currently modifying more than 40 specialized Army and Police vehicles for firefighting in difficult terrain.
“The Ministry of Interior remains fully open to proposals, support and technical assistance that enhance efficiency, transparency and a modern approach within the disaster risk reduction system,” Iseni stated. He added that only through joint efforts and strong partnerships can the country build a system that will serve as a model for the region.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister expressed his gratitude to international partners for their continuous support and reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness for even more intensive cooperation in the period ahead.
