Macedonia and Kosovo will join forces to create tourism products and to attract as many foreign tourists as possible who would be visiting the two countries. They will also work on joint promotion on third markets and tourism fairs.

This is envisaged by the Tourism Agreement signed Monday in Skopje by Economy Minister Valon Saraqini and Kosovo's Deputy PM and Minister of Trade and Industry Mimoza Kusari-Lila.

"Today we signed a cooperation agreement in the field of tourism with Kosovo, while negotiations are under way with other neighbouring countries to sign similar accords. The objective is to work together on attracting as many foreign tourists as possible," Minister Saraqini stated after signing the document.

He said that Macedonia was firmly committed to creating an excellent tourist infrastructure.

"Today's agreement is one of the final ones signed with Kosovo thus completing the legal framework for inking business cooperation agreements," the Minister added.

According to recent data, the number of tourists from Kosovo rose in April by 49% and the number of overnight stays by 53% compared to April 2012.

"The cooperation agreement lays a solid foundation for investments in the field of tourism, exchange of information, statistical data, etc.," Saraqini noted.

Deputy PM Kusari-Lila said that Kosovo would use Macedonia's positive experience in many areas, including tourism and measures to improve the business climate.

"Tourism sends a clear message that there are countries in the Balkans that cooperate closely and need a mutual offer to succeed. This is particularly applicable in the field of tourism where joint packages for trips to our countries should be offered," Kusari-Lila stated adding that Kosovo was fully focused on the construction of road infrastructure seen as a necessity in tourism development.

Macedonia, she added, is Kosovo's traditional partner.

"Macedonia was Kosovo's biggest partner as part of CEFTA. We hope that the cooperation will resume in the future and that the countries will increase commodity trade," the Kosovo official said.

The value of international trade with Kosovo in the first quarter of 2013 was nearly $96 million. As much as 50% of Macedonia's export to Kosovo is realized by oil and oil derivatives.