Serbia and North Macedonia strengthen cooperation

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, 23 NOV - Strengthening bilateral cooperation between Serbia and North Macedonia was the focus of a meeting on Friday in Belgrade between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski.
    As Vucic himself reported on his Instagram profile, the discussion primarily centered around economic cooperation and joint projects in infrastructure, transport, and energy. Mutual interest is in continuing the high-speed railway line under construction from Budapest to Belgrade, which will extend southward towards Skopje and Athens. The inauguration of this line is expected by 2026.
    Vucic and Mickoski also attended the opening event of 'Wine Vision By Open Balkan,' a wine and tourism fair held for the third year in Belgrade. The event is organized by Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania, the three countries that are part of the Open Balkan initiative—a project launched in recent years by President Vucicto to create a common market in the Western Balkans, facilitating trade and accelerating customs procedures at borders, which remain a significant issue in the region.
    At the wine fair, which runs until Sunday, 650 exhibitors from 38 countries are present, including Italy, which is participating with 57 wineries. (ANSA).