Mr. Oriano Otočan, acting as Head of the International Cooperation and EU Integration of Istria in his capacity as President of the Association of Local Democracy Agencies, ALDA, on 4th July 2012 stayed in North Macedonia, where the Ministry for Local self-government of the Republic of North Macedonia attended the meeting and the signing of the Treaty on decentralised cooperation between the French Region of Lower Normandy and the Republic of North Macedonia.
ALDA as part of this program for five years provided technical assistance in the implementation of decentralized cooperation projects aimed at strengthening local government, local development and citizen participation in decision making at the local level. Macedonian representatives met with the delegation of Lower Normandy Region, led by Vice President Corinne Ferret, in a meeting during which they discussed about the cooperation between ALDA and the Region, but also about the possibilities of cooperation between Istria and Lower Normandy, in particular with the aim of education on the use of Structural Funds, and cooperation the formation of the Centre of Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality in the city, a collaboration of the Office in Brussels and the development of other joint projects in Southeast Europe. Mr. Oriano Otočan had a chance to talk with the Macedonian Minister for Local self-government Nevzat Bejta, and had a joint meeting with French Ambassador in North Macedonia, Jean-Claude Schlumberger at a reception at his residence. He visited the Association of the units of local self government of the Republic of North Macedonia, where he met the Director Mss. Perisic and talked about the problems of decentralization and the possibility of strengthening the role of local authorities. He also visited the city administration of Skopje with the aim of developing cooperation between Istria and Skopje. Following the visit he met with representatives from SEGA – Coalition of youth organizations, and representatives of CIRa – Center for Institutional Development, an organization that provides support to civil society. Both organizations are ALDA members.