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Minister Genchovska received the Minister of European and International Affairs of Austria Alexander Schalenberg

09 May 2022 News

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Teodora Genchovska and the Minister of European and International Affairs of Austria Alexander Schalenberg confirmed the excellent relations between the two countries and discussed the possibilities for deepening cooperation in the field of tourism, education and culture.

"Austria is a longtime friend of Bulgaria. It is one of our most important trade and economic partners and is among the largest foreign investors in our country. Our diplomatic relations date back more than 140 years", Minister Genchovska said in a joint statement with Alexander Schalenberg, who is on an official visit to Bulgaria. She pointed out that the two countries will work to expand exchanges in the fields of tourism, education and culture.

During the talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Teodora Genchovska and Alexander Schalenberg discussed the war in Ukraine, the European integration of the Western Balkan countries, as well as issues related to energy security.

"The war in Ukraine has created a new geostrategic reality and posed our common security with unprecedented challenges", the Bulgarian foreign minister said. She pointed out that our country strongly supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and strongly condemns Russian military aggression.

Teodora Genchovska stressed to Minister Schalenberg Bulgaria's constant support for the European path of the countries of the Western Balkans. "Of course, progress on the path to membership is invariably linked to the principle of one's own merits. In recent months, Bulgaria has made significant efforts to promote a positive climate in bilateral relations with the Republic of North Macedonia, including by initiating formats for enhanced sectoral policy development. We will continue to work on building genuine good neighborly relations with the Republic of North Macedonia. However, they are possible only with joint efforts", Minister Genchovska said. She pointed out that our country expects from Skopje concrete actions and guarantees for the lasting and irreversible implementation of the 2017 Agreement, as well as for guaranteeing the rights of the citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia with Bulgarian identity.

Alexander Schalenberg said that if the talks with Albania and North Macedonia depend on him, they should start in June. "Of course, we are aware that there are many sensitive points and issues in bilateral relations that need to be clarified", he said. Minister Schalenberg praised the efforts of the Bulgarian side and emphasized the political will, which must meet the support of both sides.

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