Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski met late Monday with Brazil's Vice-President Michel Temer, thus launching the visit to South and Central America.

Gruevski and Temer referred to the enhancement of good bilateral relations, voicing their personal commitment towards enlarging the field of cooperation in all spheres of mutual interest, with emphasis on economy.

"The visit aims at strengthening the political relations with Brazil, an important country not only in South America, but also in global terms. Another important aspect is the enhancement of economic relations - bilateral exchange, business and investments", said PM Gruevski.

Talks also focused on the ratification of the agreement over annulment of visas for bilateral travel, along with initiatives for treaties in the economic field.

"We initiated an agreement for elimination of double taxation, so that investors coming to Macedonia and vice versa do not pay taxes in both states. We also referred to a free trade agreement, although Brazil is already in an advanced stage of talks over such an agreement with the EU. Therefore, when we join the Union in the near future, we will become part of this treaty", said PM Gruevski.

Moreover, a cooperation agreement in the education field has also been signed.

Interlocutors also referred to Macedonia's intention of opening an embassy in Brazil, probably in 2014, followed by Brazil's opening of a diplomatic office in Macedonia.

"Macedonia is a new country offering many possibilities in national and international terms. We are interested in multilateral cooperation with many countries. We encourage companies from all sectors - construction, energy etc - to visit these countries and establish cooperation. We encourage our business community to visit Macedonia and see the opportunities for doing business there", said Vice-President Temer.

In addition to meetings with country's officials, the Macedonian delegation delivered a presentation of the country's investment benefits.

"We presented the opportunities for doing business before a number of investors, companies and businessmen. We already have an economic promoter here, who will continue to communicate and provide them with the required information, with the goal of attracting them to visit Macedonia and invest", said Gruevski.

PM Gruevski also met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota, tackling possibilities for enhancement of economic cooperation, trade exchange and cooperation in the field of investments.

Gruevski and Patriota stressed the need for enhancement of the bilateral legal framework, which would enable more dynamic cooperation, whereas signing of agreements in the sectors of economy, finance and education would also promote cooperation at state level and among companies.

Interlocutors also referred to the establishment of interparliamentary cooperation and diplomatic education of staff.

During the visit, which also includes Argentina and Mexico, PM Gruevski is accompanied by Vice Premier and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski, Minister for Foreign Investments Vele Samak, Agency for Foreign Investments and Export Promotion director Visar Fida, and Government Spokesman Aleksandar Gjorgjiev.