01.08.2017
Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia, with no mediators and go-betweens, we have reached the conclusion that peace and good neighborly relations are more important than anything else. It is no coincidence that people have said that by looking backwards you will stumble and fall. We decided to look ahead and I am sure that we will see results from the signing of the Agreement for Good Neighborly Relations, said Prime Minister Boyko Borissov after together with Prime Minister Zoran Zaev they signed the Agreement for Friendship, Good Neighborly Relations, and Cooperation between the two countries. “The term ‘common history’ unifies and gives perspectives, it does not divide,” Borissov was categorical. According to him, the signing of the document gives the tone for political stability and maturity. It also carries the message for peace, friendship, prosperity, investment climate, as well as perspectives for the young to travel and stay to live on the Balkans.
Prime Minister Boyko Borissov congratulated his counterpart Zaev, the ministers of foreign affairs and their teams, who have worked actively for the signing of the Agreement and the two Memoranda – for development of the railway connection between Sofia and Skopje and for cooperation in the field of natural gas. The Bulgarian Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Corridor Nr. 8 for the connectedness on the Balkans. He also noted the possibility for the Republic of Macedonia to use gas from the European Gas Hub “Balkan”.
“The Balkans are in the limelight of the attention of the EU,” added Prime Minister Borissov. He expressed his expectation for a positive reaction from the EU in relation to the signing of the Agreement today and wished the Republic of Macedonia that it becomes part of the European family. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia Zoran Zaev said that the two countries have made a historical step “together for the future ahead”. According to him, signing the Agreement shows that where there is political will and desire for progress, issues are being solved. From today on, Bulgaria is even a bigger friend of Macedonia, he was unequivocal. Zaev pointed out that the document is a common success for both countries, contributes for the political stabilization of the countries in the region, and provides perspectives for the entire East Europe. “We decided to see the glass as half full, not half empty. What is included in the Agreements stipulates great prospects, because it is an instrument for cooperation,” added Zaev.
