Skopje, 2 February 2023 (MIA) - Investments, innovation, technological development, energy and tourism were some of the topics discussed at Thursday’s 6th session of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation between North Macedonia and the Republic of Turkey, chaired by Economy Minister of Kreshnik Bekteshi and Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports Muharrem Kasapoğlu.  

Bekteshi and Kasapoğlu told a joint press conference after the session that participants within the Joint Commission signed a Protocol to further strengthen relations between the two countries in several spheres, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding with the Macedonian Youth and Sports Agency, and the Agency for the Promotion of Entrepreneurship.  

In addition, the two parties are intensifying steps towards updating the Free Trade Agreement.  

“Cooperation is deepening and will probably continue to deepen. Turkey is one of the biggest investors in the country and I am convinced that it will remain so, but our goal is to improve free trade agreements. In the area of industry, there is almost complete liberalization and we expect in a short time to boost cooperation in the area of agriculture as well, which is a request of the business sector from both sides - so that our farmers have a bigger market, and also to increase competitiveness, above all of the raw materials that would come to the country from Turkey,” Bekteshi said.  

He noted that he also expects cooperation in energy.  

“Turkish companies show considerable interest to invest in renewable sources. We will discuss supply of natural gas to diversify supply choices and increase energy independence, and this can be extended to Kosovo as well as Serbia and the Western Balkans in general,” said Bekteshi.  

According to Minister Kasapoğlu, Turkish investors are interested in renewable sources in North Macedonia.

“We consider North Macedonia to be an important partner in investments. Turkish investments in North Macedonia have so far exceeded USD 1.2 billion. But we have new steps here, particularly in terms of renewable energy. We are ready, and so is North Macedonia,” said the Turkish Minister.  

According to him, the agenda of today’s meeting included energy, industry, culture, tourism and trade, which gave new input to cooperation.  

In addition, Kasapoğlu noted that last year trade between the two countries reached close to USD 1 billion, and Turkey exported USD 700 million to North Macedonia.