Vienna, 20 April 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer told Thursday's joint press conference in Vienna that economic cooperation between North Macedonia and Austria will deepen.

In response to reporters' questions, Kovachevski and Nehammer said the two countries will work on increasing trade in the agricultural sector, joint projects in the area of ​​wastewater treatment, as well as infrastructure projects. PM Kovachevski said Austria is the largest foreign investor in North Macedonia with presence of large companies in the energy, telecommunications, and banking sectors. 

According to him, good diplomatic relations and Austria's excellent understanding of the region is a historical fact and affects the exchange of knowledge between the two countries. Macedonian students study at Austrian universities and return to the country to work as managers or as experts.

The PM announced that he will hold on Friday a lecture at the prestigious Institute for International Relations.

"Our current Ambassador to Austria has practically completed studies at the Institute, and of course the knowledge we get from Austria, which is a well-known educational and scientific center in the world, is also important," said the PM. 

He noted that cooperation with Austria is at an extraordinary level and will continue in the future. 

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer said politicians will do their best to continue good relations and deepen cooperation. According to him, Austrian companies in the country have good opportunities for growth.

"North Macedonia has a Prime Minister who knows the European economy very well, he knows the Austrian companies very well and in this respect, represents a bridge to continue North Macedonia's economic growth. Austria is already a big investor in North Macedonia. EVN invests, as well as the A1 telecommunications company. Experiences from North Macedonia are extremely positive, so all politicians will do their best to continue such good relations because both sides benefit from it," Nehammer said.