We are ready for constructive dialogue and for solutions that build trust and bring concrete benefits to the citizens of both countries. Our position remains unchanged. We want good neighborly relations, dialogue and cooperation with Bulgaria. But, at the same time, we believe that bilateral issues related to history, identity and national narrative should not determine the European progress of a candidate country, Macedonian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Zoran Dimitrovski told Thursday’s session of the 25th EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting.
Dimitrovski reiterated that EU membership remains the country’s strategic commitment and the most important foreign policy priority, noting that it is not just a political goal, but a choice for European standards, functional institutions, the rule of law, economic development, a higher standard of living and greater opportunities for our citizens.
“Our message today is clear: the Republic of North Macedonia wants to join the European Union and is ready to do its part of the work in accordance with European standards and criteria. We expect the European process to be credible, predictable and based on merit. The enlargement process must be based on the fulfillment of clear criteria, on concrete results and equal rules
for all candidates,” Dimitrovski stressed.
He pointed out that the country is a credible and reliable partner of the European Union, adding that the full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy is clear evidence of this, and as a NATO member, the country sees security as a shared responsibility.
“In conditions of serious geopolitical challenges, Europe must be united, resilient and capable of defending its values. Our country does not only want to be a beneficiary of European security, we want and can be its contributor. In that sense, it is particularly significant that we are the first country in the Western Balkans to establish a security and defense partnership with the European Union. This is recognition of our role, but also an obligation to continue acting responsibly,” he said.
Dimitrovski mentioned the topic of Bulgaria, which, he noted, is inevitably part of the country’s European discussions.
“Our position remains unchanged. We want good neighborly relations, dialogue and practical cooperation with Bulgaria. But, at the same time, we believe that bilateral issues related to history, identity and national narrative should not determine the European progress of a candidate country. The Macedonian language, the Macedonian identity and the dignity of our citizens cannot be the subject of political negotiation. This does not mean an absence of readiness for compromise, on the contrary, we are ready for constructive dialogue and for solutions that build trust and bring concrete benefits to the citizens of both countries,” said Dimitrovski.
According to the deputy minister, we need a new approach, an approach in which we focus on what connects us and what can move us forward, and Corridor VIII is such an example, just as infrastructure connectivity, energy cooperation, trade, investments, cross-border cooperation and people-to-people contacts are the best investment in good neighborliness.