Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and Russian President Vladimir Putin at their meeting on Thursday in Saint Petersburg pointed out the favorable political relations predominating between the two countries, which in their opinion were in advancement.

"PM Gruevski and President Putin concluded that the two countries have been and are successfully tackling the consequences of the global economic crisis, which is a serious challenge for the whole world."

Interlocutors voiced pledges and support to strengthen and intensify economic ties, to boost economic cooperation in terms of investments and trade exchange.

Other key priorities were also discussed, such as cooperation regarding the gasification project in Macedonia and its inclusion in international gas corridors, which "will open new perspectives for Macedonia's economy."