Macedonian and Bulgarian Prime Ministers, Zoran Zaev and Boyko Borisov respectively, signed the Agreement on Friendship, Good-neighborly Relations and Cooperation in Skopje on Tuesday.
Psycho Zaev spoke for 10 minutes and at no time did he mention the word “Macedonia” or “Macedonians”. Similarly to the EU and the US Embassy, Zaev stated “this country”, “this people”. One can wonder who wrote his speech!
The Agreement, signed in Macedonian and Bulgarian languages in line with the constitutions of both countries, stipulates Sofia’s support to Skopje’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations, bilateral and multilateral cooperation, enhancement of transport links, facilitation of customs and border procedures, support the allocation of funds for regional infrastructure and cross-border projects, as well as facilitate communication between countries’ citizens.
Zaev said the Agreement is a historic step forward for this country and Bulgaria, demonstrating that the past can serve as foundation for future cooperation.
“This agreement opens the path of cooperation and development of both countries, representing a model for cooperation in the region and beyond”, said Zaev.
He stressed the Government has opted for a policy of solving, not creating problems.
“The agreement is a message to the EU and NATO that regional countries have European-minded leaderships, whereas their countries deserve the European perspective. Bulgaria becomes Macedonia’s ally on the road to EU and NATO”, underlined Zaev.
the Government has barricaded itself for protection
PM Borisov said the Agreement shows the EU that problems on the tempestuous Balkans can be solved without mediators and voiced expectation that the EU would welcome the treaty.
He also saluted the cooperation memorandums that countries’ ministers of transport, energy and economy signed during the ceremony.
“I am convinced that the results of the Macedonia-Bulgaria agreement will be visible in ten years from now”, stressed Borisov.
Earlier in the day, the Bulgarian delegation was welcomed with highest state and military honors in front of the Government building.
Afterwards, the two PMs held a tete-a-tete discussion followed by a meeting of government delegations.
The Bulgarian delegation will also meet President Gjorge Ivanov and Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi.
On Wednesday, the two delegations will jointly observe national holiday Ilinden in Skopje-based church St.Spas, where PMs Zaev and Borisov will lay wreaths at the grave of revolutionary Goce Delcev.
