The Government will support 134 projects in 72 municipalities within the Rural Development Programme, worth Denar 1,045 billion (EUR 17 million).

"All 72 municipalities that have applied, regardless of the political affiliation or ethnic structure of the population, have received support for one or two projects. This once again confirms the Government's open door policy", said Spokesman Aleksandar Gjorgjiev at Monday's press conference.

Payment Agency director Toni Dimovski said the projects referred to improvement of living conditions in rural environments, development of villages, as well as maintaining traditional values.

"Public procurements for the planned investments have already been launched", added Dimovski.