The Czech Republic backs Macedonia's membership in the EU and NATO, since it considers that the accession is of great interest not only for the country, but also for the two international organizations, Czech Prime Minister Petr Necas said at a joint press conference with his Macedonian counterpart Nikola Gruevski in Skopje on Tuesday.

"The Czech Republic has been supporting the aspiration of Macedonia to join EU and NATO. We had supported the country at the NATO summit in Bucharest as well. We endorse EU's enlargement with Western Balkan countries, because NATO and EU membership enables the security zone to be expanded. In this respect, you have our full support," Necas stated. He expressed readiness to share the Czech experience derived from the EU accession process, especially in harmonizing the European legislation.

The Czech PM urged the bilateral economic cooperation to be strengthened. During his visit to Macedonia, he is accompanied by a delegation of Czech businessmen.

Premier Nikola Gruevski thanked for the open support of the Czech Republic regarding Macedonia's accession to the EU and NATO. He said he informed the Czech counterpart on Macedonia's reforms implemented to meet the Copenhagen criteria for launch of EU membership talks and on country's activities ahead of the NATO summit in Chicago. Gruevski also presented details of the judgment of the International Court of Justice to his guest in which it is stated that Greece has breached the Interim Accord by blocking Macedonia to join NATO at its summit in Bucharest in 2008. Moreover, he referred to the start of the high-level accession dialogue between Macedonia and the EU.

"The start of a high-level accession dialogue between Macedonia and the EU is a positive step in the right direction. However, it is not and it cannot substitute the launch of membership talks. On the other hand, it will enable progress to be made and certain reforms to be completed prior to opening the accession negotiations," Gruevski said.

He praised the improvement of countries' economic relations given the fact that trade exchange was doubled in 2011 compared to 2010. PM Gruevski also welcomed the visit by a delegation of Czech businessmen to Macedonia for enabling direct contacts to be made, being "an irreplaceable tool in advancing economic cooperation and trade exchange between the two countries."

Gruevski announced that a government business delegation was planning to organize a visit to the Czech Republic in 2013.

"Companies that have crossed the national boundaries of the Czech Republic will be targeted, those that have realized major projects at home and those seeking regions for investments beyond the Czech Republic," the PM noted.

The Czech companies interested to invest in Macedonia enjoy full support by the Czech government, according to Necas.

Czech businessmen are interested to invest in projects related to energy, infrastructure and environment.

Macedonia and the Czech Republic on Tuesday in the Government signed two cooperation agreements in relation to international transport and healthcare.