e have unequivocal support not only from the Netherlands, but all EU members. The issue with Bulgaria remains, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said Friday in response to a reporter’s question about reports in some media outlets that the Netherlands and Denmark were against the start of EU accession negotiations with North Macedonia.
He added that the Dutch Embassy in Skopje on Friday denied such reports.
“The Dutch Foreign Minister clearly explained the support of the Netherlands for the start of negotiations with North Macedonia, noting the country’s progress both in terms of overcoming differences and in terms of the reform path,” said FM Osmani.
Asked about the work of the North Macedonia-Bulgaria joint commission on historical issues, Osmani said today was the second day of its meeting, and more information will be available after the meeting ends.
As regards the work of the Government’s Special Representative for Bulgaria, Vlado Buchkovski, Osmani noted that the Foreign Ministry has proposed his appointment, in coordination with the Prime Minister, in order to add additional mechanisms to restoring trust and creating predictability in the implementation of the Treaty, in circumstances when the country has no Ambassador in Sofia.
“I believe the role of such a bridge of communication, of the profile of a former prime minister, will send a message that we are firmly committed to bilateral relations and the implementation of the Treaty. I also believe it will be a good opportunity to intensify communication,” Osmani said
He pointed out that arrangements are underway for Buchkovski’s first visit to Sofia.
“What is being discussed, the framework has been established since 2017 with the Friendship Treaty. At the moment, the working groups, the Prime Minister and I are discussing ways to overcome differences in expectations and in views on issues. I hope Buchkovski will get an official welcome in Bulgaria, so we can openly discuss possibilities to overcome differences, and move towards holding the first intergovernmental conference,” Osmani said.
The FM pointed out that Special Representative Buchkovski will be working as part of the Foreign Ministry and the Government.
