Skopje, 15 November 2022 (MIA) – Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy Ljupcho Nikolovski met with German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Cem Özdemir, at the sidelines of the 16th meeting of agriculture ministers from Southeast Europe, held in Budva on Tuesday. Nikolovski thanked Özdemir for Germany’s continued support and cooperation, the Ministry of Agriculture said in a press release. “Through financial support from KfW, we are realizing the construction of one of the most significant capital projects – the South Vardar Valley irrigation system – whereas the role of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) in the implementation of project for support of economic diversification of rural areas in SEE is also significant,” said Nikolovski. He said the ministry is working on the alignment of the national legislation with the EU Acquis regarding direct payments in agriculture, rural development, regulation of the common market, organic production, fisheries and aquaculture, agriculture insurance and law on wines. Interlocutors also referred to the process of North Macedonia’s EU accession negotiations, with Özdemir highlighting Germany’s support in this regard. Germany is North Macedonia’s unreserved supporter and a significant partner in the country’s integration in the European Union, where we distribute our agriculture and food products. Wine, tobacco and vegetable preserves are some of the domestic products that are mostly exported to Germany, reads the press release.