The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today Ms. Argentina Szabados, Regional Director for Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
 

The meeting discussed the current situation regarding the refugee and migrant crisis, the strategies and activities of the International Organization for Migration and the role of the Republic of Macedonia in dealing with the migrant crisis.
 

President Ivanov said that the Republic of Macedonia is implementing measures and acts in accordance with the conclusions of the European Council in order to prevent the threat of illegal migration, border protection and preservation of the integrity of the Schengen zone. “The security services of the Republic of Macedonia deal with the migrant crisis in a responsible and professional manner, with humanitarian assistance in line with the highest European and international standards”, the Macedonian President said.
 

Ms. Szabados informed President Ivanov on the strategies and priorities of IOM in terms of the future cooperation with the Republic of Macedonia in the field of migration. The Regional Director expressed satisfaction with the position of the Republic of Macedonia and the treatment of the refugees and migrants which is in line with all international standards and praised the country on dealing with the migrant crisis.
 

The Macedonian President thanked for the ongoing support of IOM and stressed the need to strengthen the capacities of the Macedonian security institutions and discussed the possibilities for greater support of the International Organization for Migration in strengthening the capacities of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia.
 

The IOM Regional Director expressed gratitude to the Macedonian authorities for their cooperation and assured that IOM will continue to support the needs of the country in the future.