ANKARA - ''Rooted relations based on mutual history and cultural values between Turkey and Macedonia formed the basis of solid friendship between the two countries,'' Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.
Erdogan hosted dinner in honor of Macedonian Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski currently visiting Turkey.
Erdogan said relations between Turkey and Macedonia have been improving in every area, stating that Turkey continued close cooperation in European and Atlantic organizations for peace, stability and welfare in the region.
Erdogan said Turkey advocated studies carried out in Macedonia for reform process mainly in political and economic areas, and stressed that Turkey was the closest friend of Macedonia which it shares the same geography.
Stating that humanity was face to face with threats and dangers like terrorism and organized crimes, Erdogan said, ''no country can fight against those threats alone. Our bilateral and multilateral cooperation also include fight against asymmetric threats.''
Prime Minister Erdogan pointed out that bilateral trade volume between Turkey and Macedonia reached 200 million US dollars, however noted that this was not adequate. Erdogan said this figure could be increased through mutual understanding and efforts.
''We will continue to encourage Turkish businessmen to make more investments in Macedonia,'' Erdogan stressed.
-MACEDONIAN PRIME MINISTER-
Macedonian Prime Minister Vlado Buckovski in his part thanked to Turkey for the support it extended for Macedonia's NATO membership.
Congratulating Turkey for getting a date to start full membership negotiations with the European Union (EU), Buckovski said he wished the talks to end soon and successfully.
Buckovski, ''I believe that joint efforts should be exerted to improve cooperation between the two countries in the coming period.''