site.btaPresidents of Bulgaria, Macedonia Agree Connectivity between Their Countries Should Be Developed

Skopje, February 17 (BTA special correspondent Antoan Nikolov) - Meeting at the Economic Chamber of Macedonia on Saturday, presidents Rumen Radev of Bulgaria and Gjorge Ivanov of Macedonia agreed that the connectivity and infrastructural projects between the two countries should be developed.

Saturday was the last day of Radev's official two-day visit to Macedonia.

The Bulgarian head of State thanked the organizers of the meeting which, in his words, will promote the development of trade and economic ties as well as the mutual cooperation between Bulgarian and Macedonian business representatives. Radev expressed certainty that the bilateral cooperation will continue to deepen, particularly in the area of trade and economic relations, where the opportunities have not yet reached their full potential.

In Radev's words, the development of bilateral business relations requires clear vision, perspective and security. Macedonia should join NATO because this will contribute to the business relations's security, he added. In order for Macedonia to receive an invitation to join the EU during the Bulgarian EU Council Presidency, this country and Bulgaria should convince their EU partners that they work well together, Radev went on to say.

The Macedonian President said that his country strives to develop digital technologies, and expressed the hope that Bulgarian European Commissioner Mariya Gabriel will help Macedonia in this area.

Economic Chamber of Macedonia President Branko Azeski said that the bilateral trade exchange has began to increase, and currently stands at around 600 million euro a year.

Late on Friday afternoon, the Bulgarian head of State held meetings with the leaders of VMRO-DPMNE and the Democratic Union for Integration, Hristijan Mickoski and Ali Ahmeti, respectively, Radev's press secretariat reported. The meetings focused on aspects of bilateral relations and the prospects for the application of the bilateral Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighbourliness and Cooperation.

Radev called on the political leaders in Macedonia to reach unity regarding the country's strategic goals despite their different internal political views.