A firm cooperation has been established between Macedonia and Turkey in the spirit of friendship, mutual respect and understanding, Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu concluded after their meeting in Ankara on Wednesday.

The interlocutors welcomed the excellent political ties between the two countries at bilateral and multilateral level praising the ongoing, upward trend of their development at the same time characterized with frequent high-level meetings.

“The Republic of Turkey is our years-long friend and strategic partner and this meeting is just another indicator of the excellent relations between Macedonia and Turkey featuring high-level friendship and understanding, intensive cooperation on all levels, open dialogue and will for further realization of projects of common interest in many spheres,” PM Gruevski stated.

The interlocutors concluded that a major breakthrough had been made in the business cooperation vowing to make further efforts aimed at strengthening it, strengthening trade exchange and cooperation with respect to investments.

PM Gruevski also presented the benefits offered by Macedonia to all potential Turkish investors to open and run a business in the country. Praising the Turkish companies that have already invested in the country, the Macedonian PM encouraged other companies to start analyzing factors that could lead to reaching a definite decision on investing in Macedonia.

The prime ministers of Macedonia and Turkey concurred that the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of Southeastern Europe was a common vision of the two countries, seen as the best guarantee for stability in the region, mutual cooperation and increasing economic development and growth.

"The Republic of Macedonia particularly appreciates the fact that the Republic of Turkey in the period since its independence declaration up until now is consistent in its respect of Macedonia’s national and state interest in bilateral and multilateral communication and that it unconditionally supports our country on its European and Euro-Atlantic road,” stressed Gruevski.

Turkey's PM Davutoglu noted that the visit for him personally was crucial because it was the first official visit by a prime minister of another country upon becoming Prime Minister.

"We have favourable and friendly relations with Macedonia. We also share historical ties. These solid connections are also reflected in business and politics," Davutoglu stated adding that political relations were on satisfactory level.

"So far we haven't had any problems or important outstanding issues. We support each other at international level and Turkey is lobbying for Macedonia. We fully support Macedonia in its Euro-Atlantic integration efforts. We are at disposal to provide assistance in this respect," the Turkish Premier said adding that as a politician he was using every opportunity to help Macedonia.

Turkey in Macedonia sees a traditional friend, he emphasized.

The interlocutors also shared views on other topics of joint and regional interest.