Governmental delegation, led by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, held talks Monday with the management of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) - top supporter of projects in Macedonia.

The meeting, also attended by JICA Senior Vice President, Hideaki Domichi, highlighted the successful projects realized thus far, such as the hydro-system 'Zletovica' that provides drinking water for over 100.000 people, as well as the ones for modernization of the Macedonian health care by granting medical equipment for some of the clinics in the country.

Macedonia highly appreciates Japan's role as its main international donor, who has contributed substantially to the country's development, Gruevski said.

The talks reviewed the possibilities for cooperation in projects for environment protection, infrastructure development, natural disaster early warning systems and training of Macedonian experts in Japan.

JICA expressed readiness to finance the feasibility study for completion of the collecting system for protection of Ohrid Lake, Vice Premier Zoran Stavreski said after the meeting.

The Ohrid Lake attracts many tourists and the collecting system project requires great attention, Domichi said.

"We believe that JICA is the leader in protecting the environment and in the cooperation between the two nations," Domichi said.

Established as an Incorporated Administrative Agency under the Act of the Incorporated Administrative Agency - JICA aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of Japanese and global economy by supporting the socioeconomic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions.