02.08.2018
We succeeded in doing so that instead of arguing, we celebrate our heroes together, Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said in Blagoevgrad, where jointly with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia Zoran Zaev the two commemorated the 115th anniversary of the Ilinden-Preobrazhenie uprising.
Prime Minister Borissov reminded that, after generations of politicians showed willingness and perseverance but without success for years, the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good Neighborly Relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia was signed last year. "We showed courage and signed it," the Prime Minister said and added: "I also congratulate my colleagues Tsipras and Zaev for overcoming the decade-long dispute over the name of the Republic of Macedonia and we hope to see it resolved." According to Prime Minister Borissov, the European perspective for the Republic of Macedonia and the invitation for NATO membership bring enormous security. In his opinion, the goal of the difficult negotiations that are being held on various issues in the Balkans is to transform the region from a "powder keg" into a prosperous place.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov also highlighted the importance of transport corridor number 8, as well as Stanke Lisichkovo Border Crossing Point, which is of utmost importance for Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia. Both sides have agreed to expand the border checkpoint within the shortest possible timeframe.
"Without the treaty with Bulgaria, we would not have reached the name agreement with Greece, nor would we have gotten a date for negotiations with the EU and an invitation for NATO membership," Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said after the ceremony, thanking Prime Minister Boyko Borisov personally for the support. "We showed how friendship is built and how it works to the good of future generations," Zaev said. According to him, the Balkans are no longer a powder keg, but a region that has its worthy place in Europe.
