Skopje – The MARRI Regional Centre successfully held its annual Friends Meeting / Diplomatic Briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of the Republic of North Macedonia. This traditional gathering brought together representatives from the diplomatic corps, international organizations, regional institutions, and partner agencies to reflect on MARRI’s progress, share strategic perspectives, and reinforce regional cooperation in migration management.
Hosted in the spirit of transparency and collaboration, the event served as a platform to review MARRI’s achievements over the past year, highlight ongoing initiatives, and outline priorities for the upcoming period.
The event was opened by the Minister of Interior of the Republic of North Macedonia, Panche Toshkovski, who emphasized the importance of joint efforts in addressing common challenges in the region. He described MARRI as “a product created by us for us,” underlining the significance of ownership and regional solidarity. “To seize the opportunities it offers us and to cooperate within its scope, but also to use the initiative as a platform to strengthen trust in each other, is a fundamental prerequisite that will help us move forward on the path to developed and prosperous societies,” said Minister Toshkovski. He reaffirmed the Republic of North Macedonia’s commitment to supporting MARRI, noting that it will continue to be a steadfast host, partner, and promoter of the Initiative.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Zoran Dimitrievski, addressed the audience with a powerful message on the need for deeper collaboration in the face of ongoing regional and global challenges. He called for a reinvigorated approach to security and migration governance in South East Europe, stressing the importance of effective coordination among authorities, the exchange of information, and international solidarity. “We must adapt to the changing human face of the world,” he noted, “but we must not abandon our well-established and solid course. That is why we underline the need for ever-stronger cooperation, managing irregular migration and combating migration-related crimes such as migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings.”
Antonela Dhimolea, Chair of the MARRI Presidency-in-Office on behalf of the Republic of Albania, reflected on the priorities pursued since the start of Albania’s Presidency in July 2024. She reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening MARRI’s institutional capacities and visibility, enhancing coordination among Participants, and fostering strategic partnerships with international stakeholders. “Migration trends are evolving rapidly, driven by geopolitical shifts, economic instability, and humanitarian crises,” said Ms. Dhimolea. “The Western Balkans remain a key transit region, and the need for a coordinated and effective response has never been greater.”
The central address was delivered by Simona Krstevska, Acting Director of the MARRI Regional Centre, who presented a comprehensive overview of MARRI’s work since the previous Friends Meeting. Her presentation showcased key milestones achieved in the areas of migration governance, regional dialogue, and capacity building. Director Krstevska highlighted several successful initiatives, including advancements in asylum policy dialogue, ongoing efforts to foster economic opportunities for people in need of international protection and the promotion of gender-sensitive approaches in migration management.
She also shared the Centre’s ongoing efforts to improve regional mechanisms to counter migrant smuggling and human trafficking, promote data-driven policymaking, and strengthen cooperation with EU and international partners. “Despite the many challenges the region continues to face, MARRI remains committed to facilitating dialogue, building trust, and delivering concrete results in migration governance,” said Director Krstevska. She called on partners and donors to continue supporting the Initiative and explore synergies to enhance impact and sustainability.
The participants welcomed MARRI’s efforts and expressed their appreciation for the Centre’s work in advancing a coordinated and inclusive approach to migration in the Western Balkans. In addition to the messages shared in person, three partners who were unable to attend conveyed their support through recorded and written statements. A video message was delivered by Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), followed by written messages from Franco Dal Mas, Secretary General of the Central European Initiative (CEI), and the European Development Academy team from Slovenia. These messages, reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation and recognized MARRI’s role as a trusted partner as a unique and indispensable platform for collective action. Many present reiterated their commitment to supporting MARRI’s mission and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in light of persistent and emerging migration dynamics.