FYROM Deputy PM in Athens

Page last updated at 04:02 GMT, Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 09:02 EST

AMNA -- Common interest by Greece and the neighboring former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), such as greater cross-border and economic cooperation, dominated a meeting in Athens on Wednesday between government vice-president Theodoros Pangalos and his FYROM counterpart Teuta Arifi.

Arifi, a deputy prime minister in charge of European affairs for the Skopje government, is currently on a visit to Athens.

Afterwards, Pangalos said each side expressed its views and common conclusions were reached, adding that an effort will be made for their implementation in the immediate future.

On her part, Arifi said she wanted to send a strong message in favor of bilateral cooperation, because this is the only answer to problems faced by the two countries.

Arifi also handed Pangalos a letter by FYROM Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski addressed to Prime Minister Lucas Papademos, the content of which were not revealed.

"Greece plays an active role in the economy of the neighboring country. We have important investments and many businesses are active there. Our trade increases, as well as tourism," Pangalos said.

He also expressed Athens' will to assist Skopje in its European accession course through the utilization of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA), with services that will facilitate talks with the EU.

"We appreciate the experience Greece has in the EU and we wish to utilize this knowledge," Arifi said, underlining the importance of cross-border cooperation for residents on both sides of the border.

She also referred to the "Agenda 2014" initiative for the European integration of the western Balkans and expressed a hope that "through the European integration all the region's problems will find their solution."

Arifi, who was elected with the DUI party in the neighboring country, also briefed Pangalos on the reforms implemented in FYROM, ones aimed at meeting the criteria for EU accession.

The Ochrid peace agreement was among the issues discussed with Arifi expressing satisfaction for the goals met since its implementation.