Skopje, 2 March 2023 (MIA) - North Macedonia has the opportunity to start real negotiations with the EU after it fulfills the obligations adopted by the Parliament and the EU Council. The role of the Euro-integration process is important, it is about modernization of society, rule of law, environment, defense, education, said Bulgarian Ambassador Angel Angelov at the event observing the country's National Liberation Day on Thursday.

Ambassador Angelov said bilateral trade increased to EUR 1 billion in 2022 for the first time on record, showing that the path is good and that goodneighborly relations have no alternative.

"Time is in your hands. We will continue to be here, we will continue to implement programmes and projects to support the country," said Angelov.

He added that dialogue lies in the foundations of diplomacy and the role of diplomats is to build bridges.

"This is possible only through meetings and contacts - chemistry is needed and our role in this sense is one of chemists. We are facing new challenges as the Russia's aggression in Ukraine, which we strongly condemn. The war has shown that North Macedonia's NATO membership is of enormous importance, a move that Bulgaria supported unconditionally," added Angelov.