Today, in Sofia, the President of the Republic of Macedonia, H.E. Dr. Gjorge Ivanov had a meeting with the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Rosen Plevneliev.

At the meeting, the Presidents discussed recent developments in the bilateral relations between the two countries, and also spoke about the Euro-Atlantic integration processes and regional cooperation.

President Ivanov reaffirmed the commitment of the Republic of Macedonia to maintain the best possible relations and cooperation with all its neighbors as a high strategic priority besides Euro-Atlantic integrations and regional cooperation.

"Sometimes, differences appear between neighbors regarding certain issues, but these should never have a negative impact over the overall relations and cooperation. Differences should be approached with mutual respect and they should be overcome through dialogue", the Macedonian President stated.

Bulgarian President Plevneliev thanked President Ivanov for his presence in Sofia, in the moments when Bulgarian people were saying their final goodbye to the first democratically elected President of their country, Mr. Zhelyu Zhelev, considering this to be a friendly gesture. The Republic of Bulgaria wishes to be the biggest friend and supporter of the Republic of Macedonia, emphasized Bulgarian President Plevneliev, agreeing that open issues should be approached with mutual understanding and respect, and that misunderstandings should be overcome through dialogue.

Both Presidents agreed to intensify contacts in the forthcoming period, not only at the highest, but at all levels.

Informing his Bulgarian colleague about the recent developments in terms of Euro-Atlantic integrations and the negative impact of the status quo situation for the Republic of Macedonia and in general for the Region, President Ivanov urged for support by the Republic of Bulgaria in order to unblock the integrations in the forthcoming period.

"The expectation of the citizens of the Republic of Macedonia is to see the Republic of Bulgaria as one of the strongest supporters of our country. NATO enlargement and Macedonia obtaining its rightfully deserved membership there, will have a positive influence over the stability and security of our region" - stated President Ivanov.

Both interlocutors expressed their expectations that the working groups from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries will continue to work in the forthcoming period, in order to harmonize the Agreement on good neighborly relations on the basis of the principled position and exchange of letters between the Presidents - to transform the 1999 Declaration into an Agreement on good neighborly relations.
Presidents Ivanov and Plevneliev expressed hope that the signature of this Agreement between the two countries will mark a phase of intensified cooperation in function of using the potentials in many areas such as economy, infrastructure, cross – border cooperation, culture, education and tourism.

The need to strengthen the cooperation between intelligence services was also underlined at the meeting, with an aim to prevent and counter all phenomena that represent a threat to our region as well.