Ekaterina Zaharieva entertained a parliamentary delegation from the Republic of Macedonia
22 March 2018 News
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva met with visiting representatives of the Group for Cooperation with Bulgaria of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, led by Deputy Parliamentary Speaker Frosina Tashevska-Remensky.
The meeting was also attended by Boris Vangelov who chairs the Group for Friendship with the Republic of Macedonia at the Bulgarian Parliament, and the Macedonian ambassador in Sofia, Marian Gyorchev.
"A lot of things with historic significance have happened between Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia in the last eight months since the signing of our Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourhood and Cooperation. We are doing well in our efforts to build a new kind of open and friendly relationship based on European values.
The courage shown by our prime ministers, as well as by the MPs on both sides who ratified the treaty, has already been paying back and produced a great deal of positive results," Ekaterina Zaharieva said at the meeting. She highlighted the importance of the Macedonian parliamentary delegation’s visit –the first of its kind over the last eleven years.
Deputy Prime Minister Zaharieva pointed out that as soon as the Treaty was signed the opening between the two countries practically gave a positive impetus in different spheres of bilateral relations. An example of this is the 11% growth in trade between the two countries and the 10% increase of Bulgarian tourists visiting the Republic of Macedonia.
A study conducted by the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry after the signing of the Treaty, has shown that the number of Bulgarian companies willing to invest in the Republic of Macedonia has doubled compared to 2016. The cooperation between our municipalities is also being invigorated. "We ought to look ahead together.
I am convinced that we will soon see other positive trends in social and economic life that bring real benefits for citizens and businesses on both sides. We have to make good on the trust they have invested in us," Zaharieva argued.
For us Bulgaria is a sincere friend and during our meetings here we have felt this sincerity in practice, the head of the Macedonian parliamentary delegation pointed out. Frosina Tashevska-Remensky maintained that the treaty signed by the two countries last year is crucial for Macedonian citizens too, with 75% of them giving it their approval.
She thanked Bulgaria for its efforts and support for the European future of the Macedonian Republic. "We rely on your help and expertise in the pre-accession process, e.g. at the institutional level," Frosina Tashevska-Remensky said.
The head of the Macedonian delegation also added that her country was working hard on the implementation of the reform plan. The unfolding of active parliamentary diplomacy through the cooperation groups in Macedonian Parliament is an element of the same effort.
"Bulgaria is consistent and unreserved in its support for the European outlook of its neighbours. We are sincere and have no hidden thoughts. We are helping not only in words, but also with actions," Zaharieva told her guests. She welcomed Prime Minister Zaev’s government reform plan and expressed hope that Macedonia would achieve the results it needs to be given a starting date for its accession negotiations within the mandate of the Bulgarian Presidency.
"The reform process is not easy, but every effort that goes to it is warranted. I am hopeful that all parties in Macedonian parliament are willing to show political maturity and constructiveness and will support the completion of the reform plan. This is important for your citizens," secretary Zaharieva added.
The Deputy Prime Minister stressed that Bulgaria is ready to share its experience and expertise with its neighbours, not least towards the enhancement of their administrative capacity. "We want our help to be as practically bound as possible," the foreign minister said.
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