Kumanovo, 22 July 2022 (MIA) - The joint point between the Tabanovce border in North Macedonia and Serbia's Preshevo border crossing is a positive example of regional cooperation, concluded North Macedonia's Transport Minister Blagoj Bochvarski and his Serbian counterpart Tomislav Momirovic during their visit to the border crossing on Friday. A joint border crossing accelerates passenger inflow and cargo transport as well, according to them. The ministers alongside officials of the customs administrations and the Transport Community Secretariat visited a lane, opened for companies from North Macedonia, Serbia and Albania by the Open Balkan countries. The lane improves, accelerates and facilitates procedures between the two countries along Corridor 10, according to the authorities. Five lanes for passenger vehicles, two for freight and one for buses are currently in use. Two exit lanes are expected to be open soon. "By opening a one stop shop at the border, procedures for entry and exit between the two countries have been reduced, especially in terms of cargo transportation after green lanes for quick flow of goods have been opened. After reconstructing the border crossing and introducing the new concept, wait times are reduced, customs and border procedures are facilitated and it is much faster no to cross the border," said Minister Bochvarski. He revealed that there is a project for the construction of a joint railway station at Tabanovce. "A one stop shop will be opened where all customs and border procedures will be completed to allow faster flow of passengers and goods," Bochvarski said. "North Macedonia remains a partner with the neighbors in creating joint polities and measures to increase regional cooperation and facilitate trade and transport. We are further motivated by the opening of negotiations with the EU as a single market and a future for the citizens," the Minister noted. The Open Balkan initiative is the largest project launched in the past 30 years by the leaders of Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania, said Serbian Minister Momirovic. "Serbia and North Macedonia are firmly on their EU path, however regional connectivity is also important. The best border is the one that can be crossed freely," he said adding that open borders contribute to prosperity, higher salaries for workers, etc. Momirovic said that a railway toward North Macedonia is one of the goals stressing that developed rail infrastructure is the basis for developed economy.