Prime Minister Zoran Zaev reiterated during a joint press conference with Bulgarian counterpart Stefan Yanev after their meeting in Sofia on Thursday that the issue between the two countries is bilateral and should be resolved as such.
“This is a bilateral dispute. We have friends across the world, but the issue is bilateral and should be resolved bilaterally, by these two sides. It’s our duty as responsible politicians to work on finding a solution,” Zaev underlined.
He expressed conviction that the two countries will find a solution, adding that interlocutors also discussed at the meeting the Portuguese proposal. Moreover, the PM called on citizens in North Macedonia and Bulgaria to give good-neighborliness, cooperation and friendship a chance, and to support each other’s futures.
“We discussed the core and structure of a possible solution, through sectoral cooperation in all possible areas, with specific deadlines, in specific institutions, as well as the intensity of the activities of the commission on historical and educational issues. We also talked about the Portuguese proposal. Bulgaria is an EU member and can discuss within the Union issues related to the EU. It’s our job to talk about bilateral issues that can be resolved. I believe finding a solution is possible. We have to work together and discuss a bilateral solution,” Zaev said.
The solution, he added, has to have in mind the interests of both sides. That’s the only way to get citizens’ support and ensure its successful realization.
Following the meeting with Yanev, Zaev said that he is headed to meet with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.
“We’ll resume talks this evening. Creative and innovative solutions can always be achieved through dialogue. I’m convinced that today’s meetings in Sofia will be beneficial. We’re aware that with Bulgaria’s support we can continue on the European integration path, because we have no other alternative,” the Prime Minister noted.
Bulgarian PM Yanev briefly said that the Macedonian delegation came to Bulgaria with specific solutions, which will be discussed. Bulgaria’s policy, Yanev reiterated, entails strong support for the European perspectives of North Macedonia and Albania and their membership in the European family.
“We have reservations over working on a solution. We aim to focus on trust, friendship and open dialogue,” Yanev stressed.
Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov and Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani are paying Thursday a visit to Sofia in effort to reach solutions on open issues and unblock North Macedonia’s European integration. The visit takes place a week ahead of the meetings of the General Affairs Council (June 22) and the Council of the EU (June 24-25).
