North Macedonia and Turkey strengthen cooperation in social protection

A Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation on social services has been signed between the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Ministry of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkey.

On behalf of the two institutions, the document was signed by the Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Gjoko Velkovski, and the Minister of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkey, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş.

The agreement establishes a framework for continuous institutional communication and coordination, with the aim of strengthening cooperation and advancing policies and services in the field of social protection. It has been concluded for five years, with the possibility of automatic renewal.

According to the Ministry of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, the parties will exchange knowledge, experience and best practices on issues related to improving social protection and enhancing citizens’ well-being.

The cooperation will include strengthening families and developing social services for families, women, children, people with disabilities and the elderly. The social integration of people with addictions will also be a focus.

A special section of the memorandum is dedicated to policies and services for the employment of people with disabilities, as well as ensuring their full and effective participation in society. The document also includes support for active ageing, the expansion of services for children, the empowerment of women and the creation of joint mechanisms to combat violence against women.

The two ministries will also exchange experience on social assistance and the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social services. Cultural, demographic and socio-economic analyses will also be used to improve the living conditions of Roma citizens.

The implementation of the cooperation provides for the exchange of knowledge, documents and best practices, the dispatch of experts, and the organization of conferences, seminars and professional meetings.

“By signing this Memorandum, we are creating an additional basis for the exchange of experience and knowledge and for advancing social policies and services. Our goal is to turn good practices and experience into concrete solutions that will contribute to a better quality of life and stronger social protection for citizens,” said the Minister of Social Policy, Demography and Youth, Gjoko Velkovski.