TRAJKOVSKI CAME TO BUILD BRIDGES

Macedonia knows Balkan markets very well. Its specialists have both experience and connections, which could very well lead to participation, jointly with Ukrainian companies, in the restoration of Kosovo and Yugoslav cities as well as the construction of new roads. Macedonia could help Ukraine not to lose forever the Yugoslav market, share its experience in organizing the tourist business and historic preservation. The Ukrainians could begin spending their summer holidays on Lake Ohrid. Also under discussion is the possibility of introducing full-fledged visa-free treatment for the citizens of both countries. It is quite possible that small Macedonia will become Ukraine’s symbolic key to the Balkans, where its position could be stronger.

The results of the Macedonian delegation’s visit to Ukraine could be characterized as a beginning. This beginning will perhaps help Ukraine take its proper place in the Balkans, which logically has to be an area of our strategic interests. Thus far, this beginning has materialized in the signing of an agreement on military and technical cooperation. Other documents are also in the works, among them a free trade agreement.

Statistically, metallurgical products account for the lion’s share of Ukrainian exports to the Balkans (95% of the $29 million total in 1999). But this is difficult to confirm in reality, for Ukrainian products are often traded by Bulgarian, Rumanian and other companies. It is time we found a place of our own.

On the other hand, it has seemed until now that Ukraine is little interested in Macedonia as such. Diplomatic relations have existed for five years, but the embassy was opened in Skopje only quite recently, and what also contributed to this was the fact that Macedonia has hosted for quite a long time the Ukrainian peacekeeping contingent sent there to take part in the international operation in Kosovo. The Macedonians often said in this connection that their small and not terribly affluent state had found a way to open its embassy in Kyiv, with due account of Ukraine’s importance.

President Leonid Kuchma has said that both sides are interested in expanding cooperation at all levels. President Trajkovski promised to make every effort to translate the political dialogue into specific projects. Earlier The Day was often told at the Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that there could be all kinds of joint participation, for example, in Kosovo reconstruction projects. This will perhaps be complemented by cooperation in Yugoslavia, where there is enough work for everyone, as well as in Albania, where the Macedonians are building roads. Many things could happen in principle if we aptly seize the opportunity. In fact, only a powerful and massive tour de force of Ukraine in the Balkans could offset the losses it suffered during the anti-Yugoslav sanctions. It is Macedonia that could help us find the appropriate ways.