Skopje, 29 October 2021 (MIA) – Good neighborly relations require both sides to invest in this. The country has shown it is prepared to work on good neighborly relations. I also expect our neighbor Bulgaria to demonstrate it, Defence Minister Radmila Shekerinska said Friday. She was asked to comment on a statement of Gabriel Escobar, United States Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs that “the strongest message that the EU can send now is to start the accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania before the end of this year.” Shekerinska recalled that a Defence Ministry team was in Washington almost a month ago where it had the chance to meet with Escobar. “Our allies have been true to their word that they will make additional efforts to realize what it is expected in the region, which is resumption of the European integration process,” the Minister said reiterating that it is the strategic interest of the US the region to move forward and make progress. EU officials have been echoing the same sentiment, according to her. “Statements are never enough and there are discussions behind closed doors, different options are being analyzed. Yet, it will depend on us and on Bulgaria mostly, because the two countries should be interested in the region prospering and bilateral relations flourishing rather than regressing,” Minister Shekerinska stated.