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Rumen Radev in Brussels: EU's Eastern Partnership Initiative remains a priority of Bulgarian foreign policy

The European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia is not driven by deadlines, but by results, the Head of State said

The Eastern Partnership initiative remains a priority of Bulgaria's foreign policy not only because of Bulgaria's geographical proximity to the countries of the region, with which we are linked by historical and spiritual ties. We have large Bulgarian historical communities, in Moldova and Ukraine for ones, and we are working to foster cultural and educational cooperation with them. This is what President Rumen Radev told the media in Brussels before the opening of the sixth Eastern Partnership summit. This political dialogue and cooperation forum brings together the heads of state and government of EU member states, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.

Radev pointed out that Wednesday meeting is taking place against the backdrop of a complicated situation, both because of the declared withdrawal of Belarus from the Eastern Partnership last June, and of the accusations against that country of human rights violations and exploitation of the migration crisis. 'There has been an escalation of tensions around Ukraine's borders. The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict has taken a human toll and its resolution remains a real challenge. But even against this background, I hope the Council will adopt today an important declaration, which will contribute to deepening cooperation and support in a number of important areas,' the President added.

The European integration of the Republic of North Macedonia is not driven by deadlines, but by results, Rumen Radev answered in response to a journalist's question. 'Any attempts to pressure Bulgaria are counterproductive. They lead to delaying the process and this should be understood by all,' the head of state said.

The President recalled that at all the European Council meetings he had attended since May, he had held talks with all European leaders, as well as with the leaders of the European institutions on the integration of the Republic of North Macedonia. 'I would like to thank them because for the second time this year the topic of enlargement, especially for the Republic of North Macedonia, is off the agenda. I also want to thank the Bulgarian diplomacy that finally made our partners understand where the real problem lies,' Rumen Radev stressed.

Bulgaria defended its positions and now most of our European partners realise the core of the problem, which goes far beyond the notions of a historical dispute between two neighbouring countries, the Head of State went on to say. According to Radev, 'this is a problem that profoundly affects the foundations of the European Union proper, and these are the values and principles that we profess - human rights and non-discrimination.'

Rumen Radev concluded that this country will continue to defend not only the respect of historical facts and the preservation of the Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage in the Republic of North Macedonia, but also the respect of the rights of the Macedonian Bulgarians, who should receive clear constitutional guarantees in this regard.