Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Senik took part in the first online travel conference "Ukraine - North Macedonia" on Wednesday.

"With the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, during the event, a virtual signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation and Coordination in the tourism sector between the National Tourism Organization of Ukraine and the Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism in the Republic of North Macedonia took place," the MFA press service said on Wednesday.

The memorandum is aimed at developing the tourism business and increasing the number of tourists in Ukraine and North Macedonia, promoting new tourism products, popularizing historical and cultural heritage, implementing joint projects, exchanging experience in matters of safety, quality and innovation in the tourism sector.

In an address to the conference participants, Senik said the development of the tourism sector will further enhance economic relations between Ukraine and North Macedonia: "Last year, North Macedonia ranked third among the countries of the Balkan region in terms of bilateral trade with Ukraine. Despite the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, we have managed to achieve high indicators over the past eight years. Development of the tourism sector should enhance further economic cooperation."

According to Senik, the establishment of a direct dialogue between the National Tourism Organization of Ukraine and the Agency for Promotion and Support of Tourism in the Republic of North Macedonia will make cooperation in tourism more systematic and mutually beneficial.

The diplomat said supporting the promotion of the Ukrainian tourism potential is among the key priorities of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's work in the economic area.