Republic of North Macedonia is doing everything that is necessary in order a solution to the open issues with Sofia to be found, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said Monday.

He called Bulgaria a great friend.

“We’re not far from reaching an agreement, we only need good will and optimism. I believe it will happen until the second Council of EU Ministers [in December] and a meeting with PM [Boyko] Borissov. I believe that our working groups will create the adequate climate for it,” Zaev told reporters on the sidelines of the Macedonian Energy Forum 2020.

According to him, ideas are being developed in the spirit of dignity of the two friendly nations in an attempt to find a solution where European values will be incorporated.

When asked what the discussions with Bulgaria involved, Zaev said that they focus on finding a solution.

“We’re not discussing concessions. We are discussing solutions by the two sides. There are ways to solve it. Once again, I’ll say I’m glad that Bulgaria recognizes the Macedonian language and Macedonian identity as our reality,” the PM said noting that solutions can be found all the while the two sides pay attention to one another.

Commenting on criticism from the business sector that the business ties have been affected by the dispute, Zaev said that they are exceptional.

“The Macedonian-Bulgarian chamber of commerce has excellent cooperation with both countries. This past year, even though it is COVID year, there were dozen Bulgarian investments and two Macedonian investments in Bulgaria. It’s unfortunate that trade has been affected everywhere, including bilaterally, however, there are great perspectives,” PM Zaev told reporters.