site.btaEC Officials and EU Foreign Ministers Welcome Bulgaria-Macedonia Treaty

Sofia, August 1 (BTA) - European Commission officials and EU foreign ministers hailed Tuesday's signature of the Goodneighbourliness Treaty between Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, and Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, said in a statement that the EU welcomes the treaty. They said: "This agreement demonstrates the determination of both sides to overcome bilateral issues and is an inspiration for the whole region. It is a positive step forward in good neighbourly relations and boosts the EU perspective of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in the interest of its citizens."

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel was quoted by his ministry as saying that the signing of the treaty has sent an important message in the region. Gabriel stated: "Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia signed an historic treaty on good neighbourliness in Skopje. I very much welcome the achievement of consensus on outstanding questions, following many years of unsuccessful negotiations. In signing the treaty, the two countries are sending an important message as regards successful bilateral and regional cooperation in the Balkans and the further European-Atlantic integration of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It is remarkable that this signature was achieved less than two months after the new Government of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia took office. I trust that the new Government in Skopje will continue to pursue this form of constructive cooperation with all neighbouring countries. I also welcome the endeavours by the new Government to finally launch the reforms urgently needed for EU accession, following years of standstill."

The UK Minister for Europe, Sir Alan Duncan, was quoted on the UK government website as saying: "On recent visits to Bulgaria and Macedonia I saw a strong commitment to improving relations between the two countries. I welcome the signing of the Bulgaria-Macedonia Friendship Treaty as a step in the right direction. Good neighbourly relations between Bulgaria and Macedonia are crucial to securing the stability of the region. The UK fully supports the new Government in Macedonia as it introduces much-needed domestic reforms, and resets and improves its relationship with its neighbours. The UK and Bulgaria also share a deep friendship and we look forward to its Presidency of the European Council in 2018. I hope that both Parliaments will now ratify the Friendship Treaty, to make the most of this opportunity for progress."