The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, met today with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The talks focused on the current development of bilateral relations between the two countries and the opportunities to intensify economic cooperation.

At the meeting, President Ivanov and Qatari Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the continuing political dialogue between the two countries and with the regular meetings at all levels.

The Macedonian President welcomed the first visit of the Prime Minister of Qatar to the Republic of Macedonia. "Your visit to Skopje is confirmation of the established friendship between the two countries. I sincerely hope that the visit will be productive and will be a strong signal and encouragement for further strengthening of cooperation in many areas of mutual interest", President Ivanov stressed.

During the meeting, they exchanged views and information on the possibilities for enhanced economic cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the State of Qatar, through implementation of specific investment projects in several areas. President Ivanov stressed the need for further improvement of the legal framework between the two countries and commended today's signing of memorandums of cooperation between the Chambers of Commerce and in the field of healthcare.

Prime Minister of Qatar said that there is a sincere will and possibility in the upcoming period to strengthen cooperation between the two friendly countries, particularly in the economic sphere. In this regard, he added that several areas and specific projects for investment have already been analyzed, with the assurance that the excellent political relations will soon result in concrete projects.

The meeting expressed satisfaction with the opening of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Skopje and expectation that Resident Ambassador of the State of Qatar in Skopje will soon take the office.