PROMOTION OF THE RED CROSS PLATFORM FOR COOPERATION WITH THE STATE AUTHORITIES

On November 6, 2024, the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia organized a formal event at the Stone Bridge Hotel in Skopje to promote the new Platform for Cooperation of the Red Cross of North Macedonia with the state authorities. The event was held under the patronage of the Minister of Internal Affairs of the Government, Mr. Pance Toshkovski, who, in his opening speech, emphasized the importance of the auxiliary role of the Red Cross, especially in emergency situations and disasters.

Mr. Ljupčo Dimovski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for the Political System, also addressed the event, expressing the government’s willingness to support the initiatives of the Red Cross in creating preconditions and providing support for the establishment of a more efficient crisis response system in the country.

PhD. Sait Saiti, Secretary General of the Red Cross of North Macedonia, gave an introductory address on the significance of the partnership with government authorities and the Red Cross Platform. He highlighted several areas in which the Red Cross has comparative advantages and expertise to add value to the state’s overall efforts in ensuring an effective response to crises and disasters.

Additionally, Professor Dr. Nikola Dujoovski from the Faculty of Security – Skopje, presented in detail the content of the Platform and its importance for the crisis management system, from the perspective of the Red Cross’s contribution in several key areas.

General Dr. Pavle Arsoski, a member of Parliament and President of the Defense and Security Commission, also addressed the attendees, stressing the importance of the Red Cross organization over the past decades and giving a brief overview of its role and contribution to crisis situations during this period. Mr. Gabriele Andreoli, Honorary President of the Institute for Advanced Studies and Cooperation from the Vatican, also gave a short speech, expressing his positive impressions of the cooperation with the Red Cross of North Macedonia and the significance of its contribution to addressing humanitarian challenges globally.

The event was attended by a large number of members of Parliament of the Assembly of North Macedonia, government ministers, and representatives from universities across the country, international organizations, as well as staff and volunteers from the Red Cross of North Macedonia.