The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi paid Wednesday a working visit to Bulgaria where he met with Bulgaria's Deputy Prime Minister Zinaida Zlatanova and with Foreign Minister Kristijan Vigenin.

During the meeting with Deputy PM Zlatanova, Besimi referred to the progress achieved in implementing the activities of the European agenda. In this regard, the Deputy PM stressed the importance of the European agenda to continue in the future, the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA) said in a press release.

Also, Besimi emphasized Macedonia's commitment to strengthening the bilateral relations with Bulgaria, continuing the high-level meetings, continuous implementation of existing agreements, as well as signing of new agreements in order to further maintain the good neighborly relations.

At their meeting in Sofia, Deputy PM Besimi and FM Vigenin agreed that Macedonia and Bulgaria share a vision for the region - fully integrated into the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. Also, the support from the neighbors is essential in this process.

The cooperation with the Republic of Bulgaria on the way to our full membership in European and Euro-Atlantic integrations is carried out in accordance with the

Memorandum between the two countries for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, it was jointly concluded.

"Macedonia is interested in promoting political dialogue with Bulgaria at the highest level, including official visits, and also supported with intensified meetings at a professional and technical level," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Maintaining good neighborly relations with the countries in the region is of particular importance for Macedonia in its accession process to the European Union, as well as constructive participation in bilateral relations with Bulgaria, said Besimi.

The hosts were informed about the activities and the implementation of reforms in the country, especially in a view of the implementation of recommendations in the areas such as: judiciary, public administration, freedom of expression and other areas, which are identified as essential by the European Commission. In this context, Besimi informed about the status of activities related to the High Level Accession Dialogue with the European Commission and the technical dialogue on the 23rd and 24th Chapter. The objectives and the obligations arising from this dialogue are contained in the joint Operational Plan and present additional motive and guidance in the implementation of the activities in the process of approximation to the Union.

A particular interest was expressed in terms of regional cooperation, with an emphasis on the use of EU funds, especially through the IPA Program for Cross-Border Cooperation. The experience shows a positive trend of this kind of cooperation which is supported by the European Commission, which is satisfactory for both sides.

The hosts expressed understanding for Macedonia's current challenges, willingness to improve bilateral relations, and the support and assistance in the efforts that Macedonia is making towards meeting the last obligations and criteria in the process of integration in the European structures. The dynamics of realization of the activities from the High Level Accession Dialogue between our country and the European Commission which confirms Macedonia's commitment in achieving the strategic goal was welcomed. In this framework, readiness for concrete assistance in preparing certain Chapters, and experiences on the use of IPA and IPARD funds was emphasized.

Besimi emphasized that regardless of the Brussels decision, Macedonia continues the reform agenda and good neighborly relations, which according to the Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs is the right policy to overcome the situation, stated the press release.