Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski met Thursday in Beijing with Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.

Gruevski and Li saluted the positive development of bilateral relations, characterized by friendship, mutual understanding and support, highlighting the rising economic cooperation.

PM Gruevski said Macedonia is supporting China's initiative for cooperation with countries from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) within the 16+1 process, contributing to enhancement of relations and countries' economic development.

He voiced satisfaction from the ongoing construction of motorway sections Miladinovci-Stip and Kicevo-Ohrid, realized in cooperation with the Chinese Government and the Exim Bank of China.

"We put forward new specific projects in several fields - energy, construction, industry, infrastructure. We presented six projects, including analyses and related information, which the Chinese side will review in the coming period", said Gruevski after the meeting.

The PM said Chinese companies are welcome to invest in Macedonia, taking into consideration the favorable business environment, the low tax package, ongoing reforms and benefits provided to companies that intend to enlarge their output.

PM Li stressed China is interested in supporting cooperation with Macedonia, positively assessing the country's economic policies and hoping for additional joint projects in mutual interest in the coming period.

PM Gruevski also attended a reception, organized by Chinese President Xi Jinping on occasion of the China-CEE cooperation process.

Interlocutors said bilateral friendly relations are reconfirmed by the frequent high-level meetings, expressing satisfaction from the increasing economic cooperation.

Gruevski said China is a valued friend and supporter within global initiatives and organizations, while Xi stressed that China sees CEE, including Macedonia, as an area of enormous potential for cooperation and economic development.