BOSNIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER SVEN ALKALAJ VISITED MACEDONIA

SKOPJE, Macedonia (September 8, 2007) - Political relations between Macedonia and Bosnia are at the highest level, but economic exchange does not meet the potentials of both countries, assessed Macedonian and Bosnian Foreign Ministers Antonio Milososki and Sven Alkalaj after their meeting in Skopje.

"We agreed on supporting the organization of several meetings and opportunities for promotion of countries' economies. We also stressed the significance of the CEFTA treaty, said the Macedonian Foreign Minister Antonio Milososki.

Interlocutors agreed on the development of a joint protocol of the two ministries on cooperation regarding experience exchange on EU and NATO integration.

The Bosnian Foreign Affairs Minister Sven Alkalaj stated that potential for economic cooperation between the two countries is larger than its prior use.

"There are numerous bilateral agreements and a lot of initialed ones, which await signing", stressed Alkalaj.

According to him, Bosnia could use Macedonia's experiences on the path towards EU and NATO.

"We highly appreciate the progress of Macedonia as a country-candidate for EU membership and soon-to-be NATO member", emphasized Minister Alkalaj.

Moreover, he expressed satisfaction from the treatment of the Bosniak minority in Macedonia.

Asked about his expectations for a positive European Commission report, Macedonian Foreign Minister Milososki said that it would include remarks and critique, but progress would be noted in a number of areas.

"I believe that Macedonia will be positively assessed in the EC report regarding its economic and police reforms, combat against corruption and organized crime, increase of tax revenues and customs efficiency, and harmonization of the Macedonian legislation with the EU Acquis. This report will evaluate this year's reforms, representing the basis for our essential Euro-Atlantic integration in 2008, i.e. beginning of EU accession talks and acquiring an invitation for NATO membership", underlined FM Milososki.

Bosnian Foreign Minister Alkalaj also met with Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Parliament Speaker Ljubisa Georgievski.The talks focused on promotion of bilateral ties, in particular the economic co-operation. They also discussed the current situation in the region and the Kosovo status process.