Opening of new crossing on Macedonia-Kosovo border and facilitating the customs procedure will contribute to bolstering the cooperation between the tow countries, the Finance Ministers Zoran Stavreski and Ahmet Chala respectively said Friday after a ceremony of signing a bilateral Customs Agreement.

The Directors of Macedonia, Kosovo Customs Administration, Vanco Kargov and Naim Hurgulica put their signatures on the document.

Under the document, Macedonia and Kosovo will set up a joint customs checkpoint in line with the European standards.

"Macedonia and Kosovo have been nourishing excellent political and economic relations. The bilateral trade exchange in 2010 was at US$ 450million - of which $430 million belongs to Macedonia's export. The 2010 trade exchange was higher for 30% in comparison to the previous year and our aim is to double it, which may be achived with the states' support and more frequent businessmen contacts" Stavreski said.

To that effect, Stavreski said, Macedonia and Kosovo have signed the Customs Agreement, which should be followed by another one for double taxation avoidance.

The two documents will contribute to eliminating the barriers for businessmen of both countries and to the efficiency of their fight against illicit trade and other criminal activities, Chala said.