Bulgarian President Radev: Macedonia chooses new perspective


The position undertaken by Macedonia’s leadership is a turning point that offers the country an opportunity for new perspective to which we in Bulgaria have been always open. We should do our best for the people from both sides of the border – from Bulgaria and Macedonia – to view each other as brothers, Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev says in an interview with BGNES Agency ahead of his visit to Skopje.

‘We have shown that apart from shared past, we can also enjoy a common future. The question is how we may materialize all key points, stipulated in the Friendship Treaty,’ Radev says.

While commencing the treaty’s implementation it is very important for both countries to understand that this document has become a reality after 20 years, Radev says.

‘It is a result of the efforts of many diplomats, statesmen and activists from both countries. I wish to commend them for their hard work,’ Radev said.

He also pays respect to the parliaments of both countries for ratifying the treaty, which should in practice substantially advance the bilateral relations in all spheres of mutual interest.

As announced, something ‘unique’ should happen during Radev’s visit to Macedonia on Friday, namely two Metropolitans will be part of his delegation in regard with the request of the Macedonian Orthodox Church for the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to become its mother-church.

‘I have been monitoring the process closely. It is exclusively part of the church diplomacy …However certain aspects could be a subject of public debates. I would like to emphasize that two churches should resolve this matter. I am certain that the dignitaries of both churches will be aware of their responsibility and act wisely,’ Radev says.