Macedonia, Ukraine vow to strengthen relations

SKOPJE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev and his Ukrainian counterpart Pavlo Klimkin will strengthen relations, the Macedonian government said in a press release on Wednesday.

In an official visit, Zaev and Klimkin agreed to improve relations between the two counties and to boost the cooperation through the implementation of the key reforms made by the Macedonian government in the political and economic level.

Moreover, Zaev and Klimkin welcomed efforts made to lift the year-long stalemate in the functioning of the committee charged with implementing the free trade agreement.

Klimkin underlined that Macedonian government has addressed challenges regarding reform implementation and good neighborly relations to pave the way for the country to conclude its European Union integration bid.

"Ukraine is ready to offer political support and expertise and has interest in investments," stated Klimkin.

Zaev highlighted that Macedonian government is working hard to make progress in key areas important for the quality of living standards for the citizens and to join EU and NATO.

"We consider 2018 as an important year to get condition-free recommendation for start of accession negotiations and to make important steps toward Euro-Atlantic membership," stressed Zaev. Enditem