During an economic visit to Azerbaijan, Macedonia Vice-Prime Minister and Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski said Tuesday his country is interested in partnering with the nation on the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project.

"Once the project is ready, we will express our intention to participate in it as a partner and will hold discussions," Stavreski said.

Construction on the pipeline, meant to transport gas from the Caspian Sea to Western Europe through Greece, Albania, the Adriatic Sea and western Italy, is scheduled to start in 2016.

Stavreski added that he hopes additional ties between Azerbaijan and Macedonia can develop in tourism, production and the processing of agricultural projects. 

"Despite the fact that last year the two countries signed two agreements on double taxation avoidance and investment promotion, the ties between Azerbaijan and Macedonia stand at a low level in these areas," he said. "And the purpose of our visit is to develop bilateral relations in these areas and to stimulate the two countries' appropriate structures for them to make contribution to this process.”