site.btaBulgarian Foreign Minister Declares Full Support for Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic Integration

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Declares Full Support for Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic Integration

Sofia, December 17 (BTA) - Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov Thursday expressed full support for Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration and for the reforms in this country. He was approached by journalists after a meeting with Macedonian Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Integration Fatmir Besimi.

"We strongly hope that the agreements reached during the talks between the opposition and the power holders will be implemented, and that this will lead to successful elections in April which will reflect the will of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia and give a new impetus to future reforms," Mitov commented.

At the meeting, Mitov and Besimi discussed the work on the negotiations on the goodneighbourliness agreement between their countries. The Bulgarian Foreign Minister said that there are extremely positive messages on the part of Besimi. "I hope that we will find the formula which will lead us to a conclusive result and consent on the agreement's final text," Mitov noted. He specified that no deadlines have been set but that he and Besimi confirmed their will to achieve this as quickly as possible.

The Macedonian Deputy PM noted how important it is to have a clear position in support of Macedonia's European prospects, as well as on various regional cooperation projects.

Taking a question about the Macedonia-Greece name dispute, Besimi recalled that Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki is visiting Athens and this is one of the topics on the agenda. He added they remain open to dialogue.

Mitov commented that Bulgaria is not a side in the talks on Macedonia's name but has always insisted that this issue should be solved as quickly as possible. "We will insist on a demonstration of will and flexibility and on talks in this direction that would lead to a final solution," he added.