PM Gruevski meets with Israeli PM Netanyahu in Jerusalem
Macedonia’s Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu signed Wednesday in Jerusalem a declaration of friendship, as well as agreements on avoiding double taxation and protection of investments.
The Prime Ministers affirmed the excellent relations between the two countries, based on mutual friendship and understanding, Gruevski’s Cabinet said in a press release.
“Today PM Netanyahu and I have signed a Declaration of Friendship – a strategic document for further development of the relations between our two countries,” Gruevski said at a joint press conference with his host.
The agreements on avoiding double taxation and protection of investments are aimed at bolstering the bilateral economic cooperation.
“We wish for the good political relations to be also reflected in the economic cooperation, by intensifying the economic ties and utilizing appropriate opportunities at our disposal,” Gruevski said, expressing belief that businessmen of both countries would welcome the signing of those two agreements.
Gruevski and Netanyahu also addressed the possibilities for cooperation in other spheres of mutual interest, such as agriculture, renewable energy sources and tourism.
The Macedonian Government, Gruevski said, adopted several measures few years ago for nourishing the memory of Jews, Jewish culture and tradition in the country. In this respect he mentioned the opening of Holocaust Memorial Center for the Jews of Macedonia in Skopje, establishing of the Holocaust Fund of the Jews for Macedonia, restitution of properties of deported Jews without legal heirs. These measures affirm the friendship between the two countries, Gruevski said.
The Prime Ministers also tackled the current global challenges, namely the fight against terrorism and migrant crisis.
Macedonia is part of the global-antiterrorism coalition, contributing to global security within the international security missions, Gruevski said.
Macedonia is also part of the European corridor for transit of migrants, providing humane treatment for them and at the same time maintaining the safety, security of its citizens, he said, underlying the need of the international community’s coordinated response to the crisis.
Netanyahu also believes that the friendship between the two countries should be exploited for bolstering of the overall cooperation.
“Our two countries have been nourishing a traditional friendship. There are many spheres offering possibilities for cooperation – energy, agriculture, science, education, technology, defense, and combat against terrorism. We highly appreciate this friendship and partnership,” Netanyahu said.
There is also potential for advancing the economic cooperation, Netanyahu said, pointing out that his country would remain Macedonia’s staunch supporter and friend.
In line of the protocol for foreign officials visiting Israel, Gruevski also held talks with the country’s opposition leader, Isaac Herzog, the press release reads.
