President Radev: Bulgaria and North Macedonia can and should resolve the open issues in bilateral relations

President Rumen Radev congratulated President Stevo Pendarovski on the occasion of the state holiday of the Republic of North Macedonia - Ilinden - Republic Day, the Head of State's press secretariat said on August 2.

In his congratulatory address, the Bulgarian President noted that this year marks 120th years since the Ilinden-PreobrazhenieUprising - a great and significant event in the common historical and cultural past of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia. The purpose and sacrifice of the heroes of the uprising is one of the bridges through time, linking the two countries and their citizens, the Bulgarian Head of State emphasized.

Bulgaria marks 120 years since Ilinden-Preobrazhenie uprising

"The reflection of the ideals of freedom, equality and brotherhood of our ancestors is today recognised in the fundamental rights enshrined in the foundations of the European Union, which we sincerely wish you to join," Radev said.

The Head of State expressed Bulgaria's support for the efforts of the Republic of North Macedonia to fully meet the membership criteria, as well as for all the commitments made and agreements reached on North Macedonia's path towards the EU.

In his address, President Radev also pointed out that the contacts between the people of the two countries are an important path towards building sincere good-neighbourly relations. He added that the agreements reached between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia on joint commemoration of events memorable for our common history provide an excellent opportunity for rapprochement.

"I am convinced that together we can and should resolve the open issues in bilateral relations, which is expected from our citizens and is in the name of our common future in the United Europe," the Bulgarian Head of State further said.