Macedonia and Kosovo will continue with activities to deepen infrastructure and economic cooperation, with a focus on the implementation of several significant projects that should further connect the two countries, said Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Aleksandar Nikoloski today, during his meeting with the Kosovan Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Dimal Basha in Skopje.

The working meeting, which was also attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Kaltrina Zekoli Shaqiri and the Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads Koce Trajanovski, discussed the possibilities for promoting bilateral cooperation, economic and trade exchange, regional development and the implementation of joint infrastructure projects.

The focus was on the project for the construction of the Tetovo-Prizren road, which should represent a new significant transport link between Macedonia and Kosovo. The project is underway, and a working group from both countries is already working on its preparation. At the meeting, it was agreed that the working group would continue with the activities to finalize the project documentation, which should be followed by the conclusion of interstate agreements necessary for the implementation of the project.

Additionally, Nikoloski informed that Macedonia is starting the construction of the Skopje-Blace highway section, which is one of the key transport links to Kosovo.

The Government estimates that better road infrastructure will enable faster and safer transport, but will also contribute to greater economic connectivity, facilitation of trade and development of cross-border cooperation.

The meeting also discussed the re-establishment of railway traffic between the two countries, as well as the establishment of the so-called “one stop shop” – a joint border railway station, in accordance with the agreement between Macedonia and Kosovo.

The interlocutors assessed that the implementation of these projects is important not only for the two countries, but also for the wider region. Better transport connectivity, as indicated, should open up additional opportunities for investment, trade, economic growth and regional development.