Skopje, 13 June 2022 (MIA) – Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski met Monday in Istanbul with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to reaffirm the traditionally solid and friendly relations between the two countries as this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska and Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski were also in attendance, the government said in a press release. During the meeting, PM Kovachevski expressed satisfaction with both countries sharing the same goals over security and stability in the region as good neighborly relations and regional cooperation are considered key factors with a focus on economic cooperation and improving infrastructural connectivity. Economic cooperation is excellent between the two countries, concluded Kovachevski and Erdogan. Trade with Turkey is on the rise ranking sixth in the list of top ten most important trade partners of North Macedonia, said the press release. It was noted during the meeting that according to the expectations, one billion dollars are to be recorded in trade this year and to provide strengthening of the economic cooperation between the two countries. According to Turkey’s total investments in North Macedonia, the country is one of the top five countries in terms of foreign investments inflow. PM Kovachevski thanked President Erdogan for the support in the process of North Macedonia’s accession to NATO, which has proven as valuable benefit for the security and safety of the country and the region in the context of the current geopolitical situation after the Russia aggression against Ukraine. “North Macedonia and Turkey, said Kovachevski and Erdogan, resume the cooperation between the defense ministries to modernize North Macedonia’s army, including military training and joint participation in peace operations and exercises,” said the press release, adding PM Kovachevski invited the Turkish President to visit the country.