Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Interior Nebojsa Stefanovic, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Serbia Arne Sannes Bjørnstad and Head of the United Nations Office for Project Services Graeme Tyndall signed today a Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the project “Kingdom of Norway Support for the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia.“

Through this USD1,975.000-worth project, the Criminal Police Directorate will receive modern equipment and undergo professional training. Successful implementation of the project will contribute to the setting up of a systemic mechanism aimed at fighting against drugs in line with European standards, harmonisation with EU acquis in the area of combatting terrorism and high-tech crime and protection of labour rights as well as improving of labour safety and security.

“This donation is another example of excellent cooperation between Norway and Serbia, will enhance capacity of the Ministry, it will make our police more efficient and our citizens more safe. We will obtain drug storage and destruction equipment, while also improving the working conditions in the forensics sector,“ said Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Interior Nebojsa Stefanovic, pointing out the importance of cooperation with the United Nations.

The project will contribute to efforts Serbia is making with a view to meeting European integration conditions, particularly those regarding chapter 24, dealing with justice, freedom and security.

“We are pleased to support Serbia in fighting against crime as a global challenge affecting each and every country in the world,“ said Norwegian Ambassador to Serbia Arne Sannes Bjørnstad.

“The project will contribute to improving security and the rule of law in Serbia as well as the implementation of the plan pursuing the UN 2030 Agenda,“ said Head of the UNOPS in Serbia Graeme Tyndall.

Project activities are implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Interior. The project runs through November 2018.