Macedonia and Serbia share many common issues, including EU prospects, it was concluded Friday in Belgrade by the foreign ministers of Serbia and Macedonia - Ivan Mrkic and Nikola Poposki - announcing closer cooperation in the future.

"Our relations are exceptionally good and we are determined to strengthen them, and the best proof of this are the two governments' plans for future joint activities," Mrkic told a joint press conference, Tanjug news agency reported.

Mrkic noted that Belgrade and Skopje organized the first joint sitting of the two governments last year, while a new meeting is planned to take place in the second half of 2014.

"Many things still need to be done in an effort to enhance overall cooperation," Serbia's head of diplomacy stated.

An agreement was made with the Macedonian side to prepare a joint consultation program. The topics discussed in the meeting included the situation in the region and the relations with the European Union, considering that both countries are vying for a full EU membership, said Mrkic.

"We share many joint plans, it is all natural, there is closeness in historical, cultural and other various dimensions," noted Minister Mrkic.

FM Poposki on his part stated that Macedonia and Serbia shared a 'vision of partnership' in many areas.

"It is in Macedonia's interest the countries in the region to make progress in the EU integration process in every way. Macedonia and Serbia share a common European future, which is why we are working on this goal together," he said.

The Macedonian minister said that the two countries had a strong bilateral trade, reaching USD 800 million at an annual level.

"We hope that it will be possible to enhance cooperation in the field of railway and road infrastructure and in the energy sector," said Poposki.

The two ministers also signed an agreement on mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Earlier today, FM Nikola Poposki during his official visit to Serbia held separate meetings with Serbia's President Tomislav Nikolic and Prime Minister Ivica Dacic.