On 9 July, Ambassador Simone Filippini paid a visit to Berovo and the eastern part of Macedonia, in order to directly familiarize herself with this region.

In Berovo ( www.berovo.gov.mk), Ambassador Filippini met with the mayor, Mr. Dragi Nadzinski. Congratulating Mr. Nadzinski on his election, she was informed by him about issues specific for Berovo, its geographic setting, population, economy and history. Special attention was paid to local economy, which was explained to rely very much on forestry and wood processing industry, as well as on sheep breeding. There were also discussions on the cross-border cooperation with neighbouring Republic of Bulgaria and about the natural beauties and tourist potential of the region. The Dutch organization SNV ( www.snvworld.org) has already provided some support to Berovo and the overall Malesevo region in promoting their tourist potentials.

The mayor of Makedonska Kamenica, Mr. Darko Mitevski, also joined the meeting and presented the situation of his municipality. The significance of the mining industry and water power plant for Makedonska Kamenica was emphasised, as well as the good regional cooperation of the municipalities in the Malesevo-Pijanec region. 

Ambassador Filippini also visited the city museum of Berovo and she had a tour around the city, getting acquainted with some of the authentic architecture of the city. The monastery complex of St. Archangel Michael, a first category cultural moment was also visited.

The visit was concluded with a working lunch, where the mayors of Pehcevo, Mr. Jovanco Stanoevski, and the mayor of Delcevo, Mr. Goran Malesevski, also joined. The joint discussion with the mayors included the state of affairs and prospects of the decentralization, regional cooperation and overall political situation in the country.