Skopje, 24 July 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski met Wednesday in Vienna with Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, discussing excellent bilateral relations and the high level of political and economic cooperation.

Ministers Mucunski and Schallenberg saluted the developed sectoral cooperation and agreed on opening more avenues of cooperation in the interest of both sides, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.

Discussions focused on economic cooperation and foreign investments, with Mucunski highlighting the Government's commitment to create a positive business environment and climate for attraction of new foreign investments.

"Austria is our largest investor, a long-standing and proven partner in the economic sector. We want to attract new Austrian investments, whereas enhancement of economic and trade ties will further strengthen the excellent political cooperation," said Mucunski.

The FM reaffirmed the aspiration to use good trade practices of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber by activating an office based in Skopje, which would serve as a catalyst of the bilateral trade exchange, but also stimulate a wave of investments and promote sustainable, long-term benefits for both countries.

Minister Schallenberg expressed satisfaction from the excellent bilateral relations, noting that North Macedonia's doors for economic and cultural cooperation are wide open. He also expressed strong support for the Euro-integration process of the Western Balkans.

Interlocutors noted Austria's key role in the Western Balkans and its continued support for the EU integration process through bilateral and regional facilities - Friends of the Western Balkans, the Slavkov format, the Central Five group.

"We highly value Austria's support to the Euro-integration process of the country and the region. The Government is already working on reforms that will result in progress on this path. Our EU membership has no alternative and we therefore need a proactive approach in the field of Euro-integration, making the country a factor of stability in the region," said Mucunski.

Photo: MFA