Skopje, 17 July 2022 (MIA) - Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj as part of a government delegation attended Sunday a meeting of the intergovernmental commission after which the bilateral protocol was signed. "Today, we've opened a European chapter in the relations with neighboring Bulgaria. There's no other alternative to strategic and key issues but compromise solutions that restore trust and build partnerships and alliances," said Marichikj. The signing of the protocol, he added, infuses a new spirit in the Friendship Treaty and Bulgaria is becoming our partner and ally on the European path, which was also confirmed at the meeting of the intergovernmental commission. "Sectorial groups continue working and are set to focus in the coming period on joint actions in managing and overcoming the crises we're facing. We have a sound and solid foundation to resume the dialogue in positive atmosphere all the while moving towards the EU with dignity," Deputy PM Marichikj said at the meeting. The Secretariat for European Affairs said that government officials from the two countries held a constructive meeting in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere with strongly expressed political will from both sides for the European integration process to succeed and cooperation between the two countries to intensify.