Advancing overall relations between Macedonia and Kosovo, first and foremost bilateral parliamentary cooperation, and sharing Macedonian experiences were the main topics discussed on Tuesday in Pristina by Parliament Speaker Trajko Veljanoski and his Kosovo counterpart Jakup Krasniqi.

Veljanoski is visiting Kosovo for the first time in his capacity as speaker, thus being the first Macedonian statesman paying an official visit to Pristina, MIA reports.

"My visit to Kosovo is an additional impetus for the countries' cooperation. I'm able to voice satisfaction with the fact that there are no open political issues between the two countries. I am pleased to say that procedures for ratifying agreements and treaties between the countries in the field of security, justice, economy and finances have been intensified," Veljanoski stated.

At a meeting with his host Krasniqi, the Macedonian Speaker expressed readiness for exchanging experiences that would democratize one of Kosovo's crucial institutions, the Parliament.

Macedonia and Kosovo have established a favourable trade exchange, but according to Veljanoski it needs to be boosted.

The Macedonian Parliament has adopted two documents - a declaration recommending Kosovo to be recognised and a ratification on border demarcation with Kosovo.

"I hope this visit will send a positive message to the citizens of both states, namely to their businessmen," Veljanoski noted.

Asked about Macedonia's stance on the relations between Pristina and Belgrade, the Speaker said Macedonia was cooperating with every country in the region, except with its southern neighbour, Greece.

Kosovo Speaker Krasniqi said he hoped the first official visit by a president of the Macedonian Parliament would bolster the cooperation between the countries.

"As parliament speakers we are required to intensify the cooperation and to advance bilateral relations in economy, education, healthcare in order to improve the living standards of our citizens," Krasniqi stated.

The delegation led by Veljanoski also includes MPs Jani Makraduli, Talat Xhaferi, Svetlana Karapetrova, who are members of the group of the Macedonian Parliament for cooperation with Kosovo's Parliament.

Parliament Speaker Veljanoski later in the day met with Kosovo President Atifete Jahjaga and is expected to meet PM Hashim Thaci.