The new Bulgarian government will retain its unique position towards Northern Macedonia, provides for the foreign policy part of the coalition agreement of the parties that make up the new parliamentary and governmental majority. The appendix to the document, as reported by Bulgarian media, states that the relations will be upgraded “in a constructive spirit” and describes the steps to be taken.

The first step is to activate the work of the bilateral commissions provided for in the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness and Cooperation through a calendar of monthly meetings. It is planned to establish business commissions (with the participation of suppliers and customers in each of the two countries). Another step is intensified cooperation in the field of transport, among which are the direct air connection Sofia – Skopje, construction of Corridor 8, financial support for the railway connection. Intensification of the cooperation in the field of science and culture (joint cultural calendar, joint scientific conferences) is envisaged.

Other ways to get closer to Skopje are: to continue the work of the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues; Bulgaria expects the authorities of the Republic of Northern Macedonia to provide permanent protection against discrimination and equal rights of Macedonian citizens with Bulgarian identity as an integral part of European values; exchange of archives from the period 1944-1991 in order to rehabilitate the victims of repression; activation of public diplomacy as a tool; supporting the integration of the Republic of Northern Macedonia into the EU by transferring the Bulgarian experiences.

Among the priorities in the foreign policy of the Government of Prime Minister Kiril Petkov is the deepening of strategic relations with the United States and the abolition of the visa regime for Bulgarian citizens. In addition, bilateral relations and political ties are envisaged on a new basis with the United Kingdom, in coordination with EU policy.

It also noted the continuation of dialogue with Russia within the framework of EU policy and the development of equal relations based on the principles of international law.

At the same time, support for the Minsk process for a diplomatic solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine by peaceful means and support within the EU and NATO for de-escalating tensions in the Black Sea region will be a priority.

The list also includes the “evergreens” of Bulgarian foreign policy: the Russian side’s insistence on the return of the Bulgarian archives and compensation for the heirs of the Thracian refugees from Turkey.

Members of the Bulgarian Parliament yesterday voted for Kiril Petkov as Bulgaria’s new Prime Minister, after which they approved the list of ministers, thus ending the months-long political crisis in the country. In the four-party coalition, besides Petkov’s party, the Changes continue (PP), there are also the Socialists (Socialist Party), ITN (There is such a people) and the center-right party Democratic Bulgaria. The new head of Bulgarian diplomacy is Teodora Gencovska, who is a staff member of Slavi Trifonov’s ITN party.

Source: MIA