Svetlan Stoev before Bujar Osmani: We look in one direction, the question is whether we will realise the perspective desired in the long or in the short run
17 June 2021 News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Svetlan Stoev met today with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Republic of Northern Macedonia Bujar Osmani in Antalya within the framework of the final forum of the rotating presidency of Turkey of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP). The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and the European perspective of Republic of Northern Macedonia.
Minister Svetlan Stoev emphasised the continuity and consistency in Bulgaria's foreign policy towards the European integration of Republic of Northern Macedonia. The implementation of the 2017 Treaty is of key importance for Bulgaria, as our position is based on the Declaration of the National Assembly of October 10, 2019 and the Framework Position on the European Perspective of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, adopted by the Council of Ministers on October 9, 2019. Svetlan Stoev assured that there is no country more interested in Republic of Northern Macedonia than Bulgaria. Our country is open for dialogue and continues to work actively to build a positive atmosphere and restore trust in relations. Bulgaria expects concrete steps from Republic of Northern Macedonia in the implementation of the agreements between the two countries, stressed Svetlan Stoev and added that the pragmatic path is profitable for both countries. "As friends and colleagues, we look in the same direction. The question is whether we will realise the perspective desired in the long or in the short run", said Svetlan Stoev.
Our Foreign Minister stressed that in the face of Bulgaria, Republic of Northern Macedonia has always had a partner to rely on and reminded about the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2018, when our country returned the topic of EU enlargement to the Western Balkans in the Union agenda.
Bulgaria continues to support this process, which is an engine for democratic reforms and the transition to a market economy, taking into account the principle of the own merits.
Minister Bujar Osmani stressed the importance of constant communication for positive development in resolving bilateral issues. He informed his Bulgarian counterpart that an economic adviser has already been appointed to assist Bulgarian investors in Republic of Northern Macedonia, and assured him that his country will soon have an ambassador to Bulgaria.