Skopje, 29 August 2024 (MIA) — To the sounds of the Macedonian national anthem, Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski was welcomed by his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic with the highest state honors on Thursday, MIA reports from Zagreb.

Following the two prime ministers' face-to-face meeeting, which is under way, the two state delegations will sign two memorandums of cooperation, in health care and in education, paving the way for exchanging experiences and implementing projects of joint interest. 

The education cooperation agreement, covering the period until 2028, will be signed by Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska and her Croatian counterpart, Radovan Fuks. The agreement will make it possible that Macedonian and Croatian students have the same conditions for learning.

Health Minister Arben Taravari and Croatian Health Minister Vili Beros will sign a health care cooperation plan for the period until 2026. The agreement foresees expert exchange and consulting services.

In Zagreb, PM Mickoski will also meet with Croatian President Zoran Milanovic and Zeljko Reiner, Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament. Talks will focus on the country’s EU integration process and boosting cooperation in business and trade.

The government delegation also includes Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski, who participated Wednesday in the Conference of Ambassadors, Consuls General and Military Attachés of the Republic of Croatia. ba/mr