site.btaPresident Radev: People of Bulgaria, North Macedonia Share Common Cultural Code, History and Language for Over 1,300 Years

October 9 (BTA) - The people of Bulgaria and of the Republic of North Macedonia have been sharing a common cultural code, history and language for over 1,300 years. "This is precisely why the politicians from both countries have the shared responsibility to seek approaches that bring us closer, and not causes that divide us," said here on Wednesday President Rumen Radev, who visited the 101st Alpine Regiment.

"Totalitarianism's ideology and manipulations have no place in united Europe, which is why our position is in the interest of the historical truth and not allowing problems between neighbours in the common European family," Radev said. According to him, Bulgaria's position is above all in North Macedonia's interest, because it introduces clear European criteria and sustainability in the process of North Macedonia's European integration.

"There is a clearly stated Bulgarian position, which is why I insisted on such a position to be formulated and submitted to the Council of the EU, so that it can be a preliminary clear condition for our support regarding each and every negotiation chapter henceforth," the Bulgarian head of State said. This will give sustainability to the integration process and will protect Bulgaria's national interest. "I expect the Bulgarian Government to consistently uphold this position," Radev noted.

The President explained that he has invited his counterpart from North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski to visit Bulgaria, voicing hope that the latter will find the time to do so. There is no need to wait for the Joint Multidisciplinary Commission of Experts on Historical and Educational Issues between the two countries to make progress before such a visit can take place, Radev said, adding that it is the politicians' role and task to ensure rapprochement between the positions during difficult times. DT/MY