Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Daniel Mitov
20 May 2015 News
I consider today’s statement by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered before the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and concerning a possible partitioning of the Republic of Macedonia between Albania and Bulgaria extremely irresponsible.
We are all well aware of the challenges faced by the Republic of Macedonia on its path towards establishing and strengthening its state independence and sovereignty. Throughout this time, Bulgaria was the country to offer the strongest support for the independence of the Republic of Macedonia and became a guarantor of its territorial integrity. I recall that Bulgaria was the first country to recognize the Republic of Macedonia, a decision of key importance for the stability in Southeastern Europe.
Any attempts to call into question the European policy in the region and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia are unacceptable. The stability of all countries of Southeastern Europe is of paramount importance to us and attempts by countries outside the region to undermine it though such claims should stop. Bulgaria will continue to be a guarantor of the independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Macedonia, and there must be no doubt about this.