Minister of Interior Panche Toshkovski today held a farewell meeting with the Head of the OSCE Mission to Skopje, Ambassador Kilian Wahl, during which he expressed his appreciation for the Ambassador’s personal engagement, dedication and significant contribution to strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the OSCE Mission.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that Ambassador Wahl’s tenure had been marked by productive and tangible cooperation, particularly in strengthening the institutional and operational capacities of the police, improving police education and training, protecting vulnerable groups and combating organized and cross-border crime.

Minister Toshkovski particularly highlighted two major projects implemented with OSCE support, which have made an important contribution to the modernization and professionalization of the Macedonian police.

As part of the project “Building a Hybrid Education System within the Ministry of Interior”, a Multimedia Training Centre was established and fully equipped at the Police Academy and officially opened in February 2025. The project created modern conditions for the training and professional development of police officers. In addition, equipment was provided for specialized interview rooms for children and victims at the Sectors for Internal Affairs in Bitola, Strumica and Tetovo. In July this year, Minister Toshkovski and Ambassador Wahl jointly attended the opening of such a facility in Strumica.

Significant results were also achieved through the project “Support to the National Authorities of the Republic of North Macedonia in Reducing the Risk of Weapons Proliferation and the Misuse of Small Arms and Light Weapons”, which strengthened the Ministry of Interior’s capacities to prevent illicit arms trafficking and the misuse of weapons. As part of the project, the Regional K9 Training and Certification Centre was opened at the “Gjorche Petrov” military barracks, while several regional training courses, conferences and preventive activities were also organized.

Among the notable activities were the regional conference on police and customs cooperation held in Skopje, the “Life Has No Restart” awareness campaign aimed at educating young people about the dangers of weapons misuse, and the regional weapons detection training held in Lazaropole in June this year.

Toshkovski emphasized that the value of cooperation with the OSCE is best reflected in its concrete results: improved training conditions for police officers, modern equipment, stronger specialized capacities and better protection for citizens, particularly children and other vulnerable groups.

The discussions reaffirmed the importance of continuing the partnership with the OSCE Mission to Skopje, focusing on the further professionalization of the police, strengthening institutional capacities, promoting the rule of law and building public trust in institutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Toshkovski thanked Ambassador Wahl for his open communication, constructive approach and the support he had provided to the Ministry of Interior throughout his tenure, wishing him every success in his future professional endeavors.

The Minister expressed confidence that the established partnership and successfully implemented projects provide a solid foundation for continuing and further deepening cooperation between the Ministry of Interior and the OSCE, in the interest of stronger institutions, a professional police service and greater security for all citizens.