The presidents of Bulgaria and North Macedonia discussed relations between the two countries at a meeting in Sofia

SOFIA – The Presidents of the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and of Bulgaria Rumen Radev met and talked at the presidential institution in Sofia. This was Siljanovska’s first visit to Bulgaria after assuming office as head of state on May 12 this year. Her visit is unofficial and is on the occasion of the performance of the National Opera and Ballet of the RNM, which presented Giuseppe Verdi’s opera “Nabucco” in Sofia.

After the meeting with Rumen Radev, which lasted two hours and was not covered by the media, Siljanovska said she had invited the Bulgarian president to visit Skopje, but they did not discuss a date for the visit. She added that they talked in a pleasant atmosphere that will bear fruit.

We united on the most important – European integration, the Copenhagen criteria, the regional approach to solving problems, that we will seek solutions together, without anyone feeling disadvantaged or offended, or forgotten, said President Siljanovska. We both represent the national interests of our countries, but it is also a fact that dialogue is the key solution, she added.

Bulgaria expects the expressed desire for dialogue and understanding from President Gordana Siljanovska to turn into a consistent policy of the government of the Republic of North Macedonia, stated President Radev.

Bulgaria has always been open to dialogue with the RNM and I expect it not only to contribute to bilateral cultural rapprochement and economic cooperation but also to achieve a resolution of the outstanding issues in our relations. They must be resolved on the basis of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation, the signed protocols to it, and the conclusions of the European Council from the summer of 2022, adopted with the unanimity of all EU member states and with the consent of the RNM, Radev emphasized.

Rumen Radev called for much more active joint efforts by Bulgaria and the RNM to build Transport Corridor 8, which is crucial for connectivity and security in Southeast Europe, will improve business and tourism conditions, and will encourage regional investment.

A security corridor is being worked on. The government understands the project, so there is no reason to harm NATO, President Siljanovska told journalists.

She was accompanied by the Ministers of Culture of the RNM, Zoran Ljotakov, and of Foreign Affairs, Timcho Mutsunski, at the performance of the National Opera and Ballet of the Republic of North Macedonia at the Sofia Opera and Ballet.

Earlier this year, Siljanovska attended the May Opera Evenings in Skopje to watch the performance of “Die Walküre” by the Sofia Opera and Ballet. She noted the importance and power of cultural diplomacy as an inseparable part of international activity.

After being elected as head of state, Siljanovska visited Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Serbia. Her trip to Bulgaria comes against the backdrop of debates in her country on whether and when to fulfill the requirements for the continuation of EU accession negotiations. One of the EU’s conditions is for the RNM to amend the constitution to include Bulgarians as a constitutive people. (13.09.2024)