Russian oil company Lukoil opened Saturday a new gas station on Kumanovo-Skopje motorway near the site called Macja Glava.

PM Nikola Gruevski, who attended the opening ceremony, said the investment proved that the business climate in Macedonia was good and pledged the government would keep on making efforts to advance it.

"Such projects are an additional encouragement for us to continue working and to make the conditions for investing more available for those willing to invest," the Premier stated.

Russia, he added, is an important partner and investor in Macedonia.

A delegation from Macedonia is due to visit Russia to present conditions for opening a business, Gruevski announced.

Lukoil Macedonia director Andrej Kuku said the company planned to open 40 gas stations in Macedonia. The gas station opened today is the largest and most modern Lukoil station so far.

Transport Minister Mile Janakieski and Russia's ambassador to Macedonia, Oleg Scherbak were also in attendance.