Serbian Prime Minister Ana Bernabic and her North Macedonian counterpart Dimitar Kovacevski talked in Skopje about further deepening economic co-operation, maintaining stability in the Western Balkans region, and stressed the good traditional relations between the two neighboring countries. 

North Macedonian government authorities have expressed gratitude and thanks for Serbia's support and assistance during the coronavirus crisis, when the country sent vaccines and other medical assistance. 

Serbia also recently lifted a ban on exporting edible oil and cereals to North Macedonia. Prime Minister Kovacevski thanked Bernabic for this action as well. North Macedonia receives a large part of its supplies of cereals and edible oil from Serbia. 

Bernabic and Kovacevski also spoke about the increase of communication and partnership within the "Open Balkans" initiative. The two prime ministers said that the initiative should continue as a platform for regional cooperation at all levels, while emphasizing that the invitation is open to other countries in the region to participate in the upcoming meeting, which will be held in Ohrid. 

Serbia is the third largest trading partner for North Macedonia. The total trade exchange between them reaches the figure of one billion dollars and this increase was marked during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Prime Ministers of the two neighboring countries also spoke about the goals related to the European integration of their countries, emphasizing that the start of talks between the EU and Skopje and Tirana would be seen as a positive sign throughout the region in terms of geostrategic importance and of sustainability. 

Prime Ministers Bernabic and Kovacevski did not say whether they discussed sanctions against Russia and Russian aggression against Ukraine. The Serbian prime minister's visit comes at a time when the orthodox churches of the two countries appear to be approaching after decades of isolation. 

But while the Serbian church has expressed readiness to give broad autonomy to the Macedonian church, which is under its jurisdiction, the latter is seeking recognition of autocephaly. Prime Minister Bernabic said she could not talk about religious issues, while speaking in a positive tone about the opening of Serbian clerics on efforts to resolve issues that would contribute to regional stability and understanding.