Minister of Interior Gordana Jankuloska and Russian colleague Rashid Gumarovich Nurgaliyev signed a cooperation agreement between the two ministries in Moscow on Thursday.

Minister Jankuloska stressed the agreement is of exceptional significance for the Republic of Macedonia, confirming prior cooperation and the excellent perspectives for further enhancement of mutual relations.

Minister Nurgaliyev expressed Russia's interest in finding mechanisms for more efficient implementation of the agreement, proposing the establishment of mixed working groups and regular high-level meetings between representatives of the countries' ministries.

According to him, the two nations and countries are tied by language, culture and many other factors, whereas the Russian Federation would remain Macedonia's serious partner.

Jankuloska thanked Nurgaliyev for Russia's support in Macedonia's struggle to preserve its constitutional name, which is in the country's most vital interest.

Interlocutors agreed that regardless of their size, all countries are faced with the same challenges and threats of global terrorism and extremism, illicit trafficking in narcotics, people and arms, but also new forms of cybercrime that know no boundaries. According to them, exchange of experiences and operational information would contribute to more efficient combat against these threats.

Minister Jankuloska also voiced readiness for further facilitation of the bilateral travel regime and annulment of visas, resulting in improved exchange of commodities, services and know-how.

In line with the agreement, the two ministries will cooperate in the prevention, identification and uprooting of crime, including those perpetrated by organized rings, primarily in the fields of violent crime, extremist activities, property crimes, corruption, economic crime, human trafficking, especially with women and children, prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation, illicit trafficking with human organs and tissues, illicit arms trafficking, illicit narcotics trafficking, production and trade with falsified banknotes, documents, securities and credit cards, crimes related to theft and smuggling of cultural, historic, scientific and artistic values, IT crimes, illegal migration, child pornography.