New border crossing Belanovce-Stancic at the FYRMacedonia-Kosovo border, funded by the EU with EUR 1,2 million, will be constructed within the bilateral program for cross-border cooperation, which content was finalized Monday by working groups, led by countries' local self-government ministers.

"The program's development represents a condition for preparation and implementation of IPA-funded projects. Besides the strategic border crossing project, the value for the other foreseen projects is EUR 1,08 million", said Macedonian Minister of Local Self-Government Musa Xhaferi at Monday's press conference, at which he signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the program with Kosovo counterpart Sadri Ferati.

Minister Ferati assessed the program is of historic significance, since it is the first one between the two countries in this field.

"We urge cooperation and projects in the interest of countries' citizens, as well as their faster implementation", he added.

The cross-border cooperation program aims at urging cooperation among people, municipalities, institutions and organizations in bordering regions, in order to enhance economic development, environment and social cohesion.

After its adoption by the