We will invest all efforts for a solution but not at the expense of our red lines – Macedonian language and identity, said Defense Minister Radmila Shekerinska on Saturday.

“We want a solution that is sustainable and beneficial for both countries. Any solution that touches upon these issues will cause for more mistrust, not fresh energy and will in relations with Bulgaria,” Minister Shekerinska told a press conference.

According to her, the Government is optimistic that a solution would be reached while adding she does not want to make any predictions because optimism and good will of one side is not enough to solve a dispute, but will and activities shown by both sides.

“As a member of the Government, I am working, hoping and making efforts to contribute towards a sooner resolution of these dilemmas that Bulgaria has been promoting for a while,” said Shekerinska.

On the possibility of meeting Bulgarian counterpart Krasimir Karakachanov at the next meeting of NATO defense ministers, she expressed hope that progress would be made by that time, since the meeting is scheduled for next February.

“If not, I hope that the meeting will at least take place with physical attendance not video-conference. This gives an opportunity to send messages at a joint table but also have bilateral discussions. When we signed the treaty in 2017, including agreements in the defense sector, the expectation was not only to invest in military cooperation but also in more trust. We have to act differently if we are to be trusted allies,” noted Shekerinska.