“It is with great pleasure that I have received your reply to my letter of 31 October 2012. I am particularly glad that you consider the proposals contained therein as a solid basis for a framework of activities that are to strengthen the relations between our two countries. We both share the opinion that our more frequent communication grows into a substantive and concrete dialogue founded on European principles and values. This dialogue will undoubtedly contribute in order that, as neighbours, we see each other without prejudices, acting as true and sincere friends,” reads Minister Poposki’s letter to his Bulgarian counterpart, Nikolay Mladenov. 

Furthermore, in his letter, he points out that the Republic of Macedonia greatly appreciates the support that the Republic of Bulgaria has been continuously affording it from becoming an independent country to this day. “We furthermore highly value your support to the enlargement of the European Union,” Minister Poposki states among other things, while offering, at the same time, his assurances that the Republic of Macedonia is lastingly committed to building a common future with the Republic of Bulgaria within the European and Euro-Atlantic structures.

“We are firmly committed to building a shared future with the Republic of Bulgaria in the European and Euro-Atlantic structures that would ensure our two friendly nations welfare, prosperity, and peace. With a view to speedily attaining this goal, we stand ready to work sincerely and continually, both at the political and at the institutional level,” the letter continues.

Speaking in that context, Minister Poposki particularly welcomes his Bulgarian colleague’s proposal for Macedonia and Bulgaria advancing their contractual framework by raising it to the level of a signed bilateral agreement on good-neighbourly relations and cooperation. “In this respect, we could immediately establish a Joint Working Group. I would like that Bulgarian and Macedonian representatives meet in the immediate future,” states Minister Poposki, further proposing that the said Working Group be tasked with summarizing or operationalizing the goals and activities of the two countries in that respect, putting together a general framework or a roadmap that would guide them through in their future endeavours. 

“Following the establishment of thematic groups in areas of mutual interest, we could indeed start activities for the formation of a High Council having the format of annual joint sessions of our respective Governments. Such experiences are exceptionally positive and would best confirm the fostering of close, friendly, and sincere relations between two neighbouring countries,” Minister Poposki adds.

In conclusion, Minister Poposki reemphasizes the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia to developing and promoting good-neighbourly relations, as well as to building bridges of cooperation with the Republic of Bulgaria.

“We remain committed to forging a shared European future, founded on European principles and values, by respecting each other’s sensitivities. We will succeed in overcoming all open issues and differences through our mutual respect and trust, by applying European values and by respecting democratic principles and human rights,” ends Minister Poposki’s letter to his Bulgarian colleague Mladenov.