Skopje, 10 June 2023 (MIA) - I am an optimist that the formation of the new government in Sofia will open a new chapter in relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani told France 24 on Saturday.

"Speaking from my experience, what was damaging for our relations with Bulgaria and our European perspective was the endless electoral process in Bulgaria and the absence of a political government as an interlocutor, in order to establish trust and communication and move forward," says FM Osmani in the interview.

He adds that the EU screening process is going well, based on which North Macedonia will receive the screening reports and the roadmap for opening of the accession chapters, in parallel with the process for constitutional amendments and incorporation of Bulgarians in the country's Constitution.

On the reform agenda and the country's progress in the fight against corruption, the FM says North Macedonia has the best record in the region in meeting the political and economic criteria of the EU Acquis, whereas further progress requires the opening of the accession clusters.

"The accession negotiations include the comprehensive chapters 23 and 24 on the rule of law, which open first and close the last. They ensure a framework through which we can improve and Europeanize our society," notes Osmani.