Svetlan Stoev: We are ready for an open dialogue with the Republic of Northern Macedonia, we hope that the benevolent approach of Bulgaria will be appreciated
21 May 2021 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev confirmed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal Augusto Santos Silva and the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhei the consistent support of Bulgaria for the European integration of the Western Balkans, emphasizing the full continuity of the caretaker government of our country for open and constructive dialogue.
"We are open to an active, open and full-fledged dialogue with the Republic of Northern Macedonia and we expect our closest neighbors in the region to work in a spirit of sincerity and constructiveness," our foreign minister said.
He received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal and the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement during their working visit to Bulgaria. The talks focused on the achievements of the concluding Portuguese presidency of the Council of the EU and the policy of enlargement of the union.
"Bulgaria continues to be consistent in its strong support for the European integration of the countries of the Western Balkans, following the criterion of individual achievements of each candidate country and respecting the fundamental values of the Community, including the principle of good neighborliness," said Svetlan Stoev.
Regarding the European integration of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, he reminded that no change in the national position of Bulgaria can be expected. "It is crucial for us to maintain good neighborly relations and obtain the necessary legal guarantees within the enlargement process for the implementation of the 2017 Neighborhood Agreement," said our Foreign Minister.
Svetlan Stoev stressed that Bulgaria continues to make efforts to build a positive atmosphere and restore confidence in relations with the Republic of Northern Macedonia. The aim of the caretaker government is to create, through concrete positive steps, the necessary conditions for the resumption of dialogue between Sofia and Skopje, including at the highest level, which will provide a basis for a future regular government to work to return relations to the level they should be, connects two so close countries. As an example, he invited the President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev to the President of the Republic of Northern Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski for a joint trip on the occasion of May 24, during which they will pay tribute to the work of the holy brothers Cyril and Methodius in Rome.
Minister Stoev expressed readiness for a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Bujar Osmani, in order to discuss joint initiatives that could be implemented during the caretaker government.
"We hope that Bulgaria's efforts and benevolent approach will finally be appreciated by our neighbors and that we will work together to find a sustainable and lasting solution to the open issues in our relations," Svetlan Stoev said. He expressed confidence that with a sincere and serious commitment from Skopje, "we will get closer to our common goal - to make the citizens of the Republic of Northern Macedonia part of the big European family."
Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva thanked for the opportunity to discuss the issue of EU enlargement in Sofia and stressed that this topic was a leading one during the Bulgarian presidency of the EU Council in 2018 and has remained so in foreign policy. of our country.
"I thank Bulgaria for its commitment to the EU enlargement process. This process is extremely important for the whole union - for its stability, security and prosperity, "said Augusto Santos Silva. He stressed that it was very important to hear Bulgaria's proposals and initiatives, as well as Bulgaria's concerns about the upcoming steps in the enlargement process. EU Commissioner Varhei highlighted Bulgaria's important role in the EU as a country in the region in shaping the Union's policies towards its partners in the Western Balkans. "The opinion of important EU members such as Bulgaria on a key topic, such as the enlargement of the Union, is of great importance to be heard," he stressed.
Minister Stoev welcomed Augusto Santos Silva and Oliver Varhei and thanked for the initiative to hold talks with the Bulgarian side on the topic of EU enlargement, which is a priority for Bulgaria.
He congratulated his Portuguese counterpart on his country's extremely successful EU presidency, especially in the current difficult situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Svetlan Stoev expressed satisfaction with the progress made yesterday on the topic of the digital health certificate, as well as hope for a final decision before the European Council meeting, which would facilitate the free movement of citizens. Our Foreign Minister emphasized the significant contribution of the Portuguese Presidency to the growing rapprochement of EU citizens and to the strengthening of solidarity in the Union, which he said is key to overcoming the common challenges.