The US Ambassador visits the Red Cross logistics center
Today, the US Ambassador, Kate Byrnes, visited the Red Cross Logistics Center in Momin Potok in Skopje, where Her Excellency discussed with Secretary General Sait Saiti the current cooperation within the Covid-19 operations, and got acquainted with the operating system of the humanitarian organization.
Byrnes expressed gratitude to the Red Cross for its incredible work during the Covid-19 pandemic by providing assistance to the country’s citizens, especially those most affected, and met with some of the volunteers involved in Red Cross field activities.
We are especially happy to be partners. During the last year, through USAID and other programs, we provided assistance to North Macedonia. Some of the $ 1.5 million aid went directly through the Red Cross to provide food and hygiene items for children, as well as training in psychological and social services for the most vulnerable in the community. But we could not do that without the support of the volunteers, without the people who prepared the parcels and delivered them to the people who need them. I took the opportunity to talk to some of these extremely talented young people who dedicated their time to make a difference, to help the people who desperately needed this help and service. “They inspired me for the future of this country, for the willingness of the citizens to help their fellow citizens,” Byrnes said.
The Secretary-General Saiti noted that Covid-19 operations in one segment were supported by USAID by implementing relief and support activities for the vulnerable population. Food and hygiene kits were distributed to about 4,200 families, and assistance was also provided to 1,000 babies. Psychosocial assistance was also provided to about 3,000 people through an established service for such services in 21 cities in the country and through 18 operators.
We agreed that we will continue to cooperate for the common good and help and support of the vulnerable population in the country. The good partnership with the US Embassy and the American people as well as the role of volunteers and volunteerism was emphasized once again. The work of the Red Cross cannot be imagined without the volunteers. They are the driving force in our activities that is expected to carry out our work in the future, Saiti said.
Byrnes thanked the Red Cross for its incredible work during the Covid-19 pandemic by providing assistance to the country’s citizens, especially those most affected, and met with some of the volunteers involved in Red Cross field activities.
