site.btaBulgarian Foreign Minister Addresses Ambassadors' Conference in Skopje

Bulgarian Foreign Minister Addresses Ambassadors' Conference in Skopje

Sofia/Skopje, August 24 (BTA) - Addressing the Annual Ambassadors' Conference in Skopje on Monday, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov expressed his country's firm support for Macedonia's European and Euro-Atlantic integration, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reported. "I believe that all Western Balkan countries belong in a united and strong Europe, and Bulgaria is ready to support the efforts of the Republic of Macedonia to fulfill the conditions for integrating into the EU and NATO," Mitov said.

He and Albanian Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati came to the conference as special guests at the invitation of their Macedonian counterpart Nikola Poposki.

In his address, Mitov highlighted the priorities concerning the development of Bulgaria's relations with Macedonia, the challenges facing Southeastern Europe and the opportunities of cooperation on key points of mutual interest.

He drew attention to the large migratory flow to Europe and the Western Balkans in particular. He said the region needs to be far more integrated in order to cope with the growing challenges arising from the migratory pressure. "We are ready to support the efforts of the Republic of Macedonia to obtain logistical and financial aid from EU institutions in order to deal with the situation," Mitov said.

Macedonian Foreign Minister Poposki said the presence of his opposite numbers from Bulgaria and Albania at the conference has sent a strong and clear message that their countries are willing to support Macedonia on its path to NATO and the EU. Poposki called for regular high-level meetings which can help make progress on matters of regional and European importance.

The three foreign ministers expressed their shared view that the region needs to improve its transport, energy and infrastructure connectivity in view of boosting its sustainable economic development, foreign investment and economic competitiveness.

During their trilateral meeting in Skopje, the foreign ministers of Albania, Bulgaria and Macedonia adopted a joint declaration proclaiming that to respect national territorial integrity, sovereignty and good neighbourly relations is of fundamental importance for the region's lasting stability and security.