site.btaBorissov: "Bulgaria's Negotiations with North Macedonia Should Be Led by Reason, Not Emotions"

Sofia, March 16 (BTA) - Meeting with North Macedonia's Foreign
Minister Bujar Osmani on Tuesday, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov
said: "All differences between Bulgaria and the Republic of
North Macedonia should be ironed out. The future generations
will not forgive us if we miss this great opportunity." Borissov
 was adamant that the progress of the Republic of North
Macedonia and Albania to EU accession should not be delayed,
therefore the differences between Sofia and Skopje should be
resolved, the Government Information Service here reported.

Borissov told Osmani: "Both countries should prepare for
negotiations led by reason, not emotions, so that our neighbours
 can join the EU. This is Bulgaria's geostrategic goal, the
point is that both we and you should find the political will."

The Bulgarian Prime Minister said both countries should follow
the path of diplomacy and understanding. "The heroes who fell
for freedom cannot be the subject that divides us because they
cherished the dream that we would be together and sacrificed
their life for this. They should be a bridge of friendship, not
of separation," he stressed.

Borissov reaffirmed Bulgaria's principled support for the EU
integration of its neighbor to the southwest, provided the
respective conditions are met. He stressed the need of
implementing all commitments arising from the Treaty of
Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation signed by
Bulgaria and Macedonia in 2017.
  
Borissov and Osmani also discussed bilateral relations, the
European prospects of the Republic of North Macedonia, and the
pandemic's challenges.

Borissov sent his regards to North Macedonia's Prime Minister
Zoran Zaev and President Stevo Pendarovski.

Later in the day, Bulgaria's Ambassador in Skopje Angel Angelov
signed a grant agreement within the framework of Bulgaria's
Official Development Assistance for a project designed to deepen
 cooperation in culture and folklore, the Foreign Ministry said.
 The agreement was signed with the Ars Vivendi culture and art
association of Ohrid. The project, worth 75,000 leva, aims to
recognize common features of the intangible cultural heritage in
 the Balkans. NV/DD