04.02.2019
"The efforts made by Bulgaria were not in vain. Today, as with the Treaty, we have gathered to celebrate important dates, historical dates, people whose memory cannot be affected by time. But we are also to make an overview of what has been done." This was stated by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov after his meeting with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia Zoran Zaev.
Prime Minister Borissov highlighted that the Bulgarian Presidency remains in history for putting the topic of the Western Balkans on the table. “As much as some do not like it, all countries in the world take it into account - both those who do not like us too much and those who love us. This is a fact,” said the Bulgarian Prime Minister. He pointed out that, thanks to placing the topic on the agenda, despite the disbelief of some, for only one year differences were ironed out between Bulgaria and Macedonia and Macedonia and Greece.
"I did not believe it either. It was waited for 27 years and then suddenly during the Bulgarian Presidency everything happened for 6-7 months. Well, is that a coincidence? ", Prime Minister Borissov said. He added that by choosing this difficult topic we provided our neighbors with great prospects, and this is indirectly important for stability, trade, prosperity, income, education, tourism, and energy connectivity.
"Some said we were only talking about Corridor No. 8. But you hear the news now - hundreds of millions of euros from the European Union, the European Commission, and the World Bank. It is already under construction. Similarly, years ago they didn’t believe that in Bulgaria we will have highways. But two-three years passed by - and those are soon to become a fact,” said Prime Minister Borissov in his statement.
During the meeting, the two prime ministers discussed working for zero tariffs between Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia. "We will ask for certification by the European Commission as soon as possible," said Prime Minister Borissov. He predicted that the volume of trade between the two countries, which currently amounts to 605 million euros, will immediately go over a billion. "Because many of the Bulgarian offices of foreign companies have an interest in investing in Macedonia, as their logistics offices are located here,” explained Prime Minister Borissov. According to him, it is necessary to ensure that trade in goods increases income, develops economies and creates connections between them.
"Friendship has never been stronger and is being further enhanced," the Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia Zoran Zaev told Prime Minister Borissov. Zaev thanked him and Bulgarian citizens for their efforts and assistance in support of the Republic of Macedonia on its path to NATO and the EU. The Macedonian Prime Minister highlighted that his country had been waiting to become a member of NATO for 27 years, and this is happening now thanks to friends, such as Bulgaria.
