site.btaNorth Macedonia Constantly Initiating Dialogue with Bulgaria without Positive Feedback, Says Foreign Minister Mucunski

North Macedonia is constantly maintaining and initiating political dialogue with Bulgaria, but dialogue with the new Bulgarian Government is not expected to take place for the time being, North Macedonia's Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski was quoted as saying by 21TV on Friday. He said North Macedonia has been working for a long time on open bilateral issues with Bulgaria, but “unfortunately, without positive feedback from Bulgaria” on a meeting between the foreign, transport and finance ministers of the two countries.

“North Macedonia is constantly maintaining and initiating dialogue in relation to the blockage [of the country's European integration], because if the dialogue stops from our side, then we will be accomplices in its interruption,” Mucunski said. “However, a dialogue on political issues with the new Bulgarian government is not expected for now, as the two sides cannot even agree on a meeting on Corridor 8.”

Mucunski stressed that engagement with the European Union should not be measured by the size of national concessions. Asked whether after EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos' visit to Sofia last week and her talks with Bulgarian politicians, Bulgaria's positions have softened, the Minister noted that "sometimes when we keep certain information secret, we give more opportunity for success and progress".