Skopje, 31 May 2022 (MIA) — Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, joined by Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi, met Tuesday with EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso and a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. According to an official press release, meeting participants discussed the successful cooperation between North Macedonia and the EBRD as one of the largest supporters of infrastructure projects in the country. They concluded that it was important to continue with ongoing projects and with attracting new investors. Regardless of the crises caused by the war in Ukraine, both sides expressed their commitment to implementing the projects without disruptions, especially projects in the fields of energy, transport, and environmental protection, the press release says. The EBRD officials said they were ready to help North Macedonia in dealing with the challenges related to the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Kovachevski thanked the EBRD on its support. They also discussed opportunities for technical assistance and expertise. The government's focus on agriculture and food security was welcomed, as well, and meeting participants said there was room for support from the EBRD in this area, too. They also exchanged opinions on current political developments. Noting that the Open Balkans initiative opened opportunities for development of the region, they stressed the importance of the region’s European integration for the region and for the European Union itself. mr/