PM Gruevski meets Israeli President Peres

Jerusalem, January 5 (MIA) - Israel and Macedonia are friendly countries sharing excellent cooperation, assessed Israeli President Shimon Peres and Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at Tuesday's meeting, MIA reports from Jerusalem.

"Macedonia is our friend, a small country that can be big. We build relations with small countries that do not want to remain small, meaning they base their future on science and technology, not on geographic dimensions and population number", said President Peres.

Peres was impressed by the fact presented by PM Gruevski that almost 100 percent of Macedonia's high school students resume their education at universities.

"This is that the largest investment of a country for its future. We want to cooperate at a scientific and technological level with your country, which I think is very beautiful and can attract Israeli tourists and investors. I believe we are at the start of a big scientific and technological evolution, with the emphasis on ideas, knowledge and innovation rather than money", added Peres.

According to him, Macedonia has used reason in renouncing from the Balkan past and turning towards the European future, resulting in full-fledged EU and NATO membership.

PM Gruevski assessed that Macedonia and Israel share good relations and understanding, with a number of projects realized following the opening of a Macedonian Embassy in Tel Aviv.

"We can learn a lot from Israel, a technologically advanced country in many areas. One of the bridges of communication is the Jewish community in Macedonia, which is small, but highly respected and important", stressed Gruevski, adding that the construction of a regional Holocaust Museum in Skopje would represent an important symbol for good cooperation and communication.

He stated there are possibilities for improvement of the business communication, with Macedonia offering favorable conditions for doing business.

"Yesterday's presentation of possibilities for investing in Macedonia before Israeli businessmen was well accepted. I believe this will be a good foundation for enhanced business exchange", added Gruevski.

Earlier, PM Gruevski paid a visit to the Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum.

Gruevski is to meet later today with Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, whereas Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman will arrange a lunch in his honor.

The Macedonian Prime Minister will complete his visit to Israel on Wednesday by meeting Tzipi Livni, leader of the main opposition party Kadima.