Ohrid, 23 July 2022 (MIA) — Serbia's Consulate in Ohrid opened Saturday to further strengthen friendly bilateral relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia, MIA’s Struga correspondent reports. The event was attended by Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković, Deputy PM Slavica Grkovska, Minister of Justice Nikola Tupancheski, Minister of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska, and Ohrid Mayor Kiril Pecakov. “Serbia’s foreign policy prioritizes cooperation with neighboring countries in maintaining regional peace and stability and striving for EU full membership,” Serbia’s top diplomat said. Selaković added that these were North Macedonia’s priorities as well. As an example he pointed out the "Open Balkans" initiative, which he said was a serious step forward in economic cooperation and higher living standards for Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. Minister of Culture Kostadinovska Stojchevska said the Serbian Consulate would stimulate cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, especially in trade, culture and tourism. She announced a new cultural cooperation program to be signed soon in order to further promote Macedonian culture in Serbia and Serbian culture in North Macedonia. Serbia decided to open its Consulate in Ohrid In June, appointing Ohrid native Mihajlo Filev honorary consul. Consulate services will cover the municipalities of Ohrid, Struga, Vevchani, Debrca, Kichevo, Debar, and Centar Zhupa. mr/