EC Welcomes the Signing of Bulgaria-Macedonia Good Neighbourliness Agreement

The European Union welcomes the signing of the bilateral treaty on friendship, good neighbourliness and cooperation between Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, a joint statement by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogerini, and EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on 1 of August.

The agreement demonstrates the determination of both sides to overcome bilateral issues and is an inspiration for the whole region. It is a positive step forward in good neighbourly relations and boosts the EU perspective of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the statement says.

Germany’s Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said that Bulgaria and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia signed a historic treaty, which sent an important message as regards the successful bilateral and regional cooperation in the Balkans and the further European-Atlantic integration of Macedonia.

The UK Minister for Europe and America, Sir Alan Duncan, was quoted on the UK government website as saying: " I welcome the signing of the Bulgaria-Macedonia Friendship Treaty as a step in the right direction.”