Skopje, 14 November 2023 (MIA) – This is our third meeting and an opportunity to share a joint message for greater overall cooperation and for our readiness to reenergize our mutual policies and good-neighborly relations, said Parliament Speaker Talat Xhaferi at a press conference Tuesday after a meeting with the Chairperson of the Bulgarian National Assembly, Rosen Zhelyazkov.

At the press conference in Parliament, Xhaferi said at the meeting they discussed parliamentary cooperation, the bilateral relations, as well as the importance of integrating the Western Balkan countries into the European Union.

“In terms of the parliamentary cooperation with Chairperson Zhelyazkov we discussed concrete steps for cooperation between the two parliaments on all levels with topics of mutual interest, but of course with a focus on our priority interest, which is cooperation regarding the European questions. I noted the importance of the European perspective for North Macedonia, as well as for the countries of the Western Balkans in general. Integrating into the EU is of critical importance, especially considering the current political and security situation in the region, and the altered geopolitical circumstances,” said Xhaferi.

Xhaferi said he informed the Zhelyazkov that the country is in the process of completing the screening process, and that it is currently in the process of amending the Constitution, which requires a two-third majority.

In terms of the bilateral relations, according to Xhaferi, they both agreed that positive rhetoric must be promoted which can lead to the building of mutual trust in order to achieve concrete and tangible results for the citizens.

“In that context, I welcome the established cultural cooperation between the two leading archeological museums in both countries, which through exhibitions and projects are promoting the protection of cultural heritage, as well as the shared European values. The formal opening of ‘The Silver of Thrace’ exhibition at the Archeological Museum in Skopje is precisely such an event. The possibilities for cooperation are numerous, while we, as elected and responsible politicians, must commit ourselves to ensure the good-neighborly relations reflect the real European values which will contribute to North Macedonia becoming an EU member as soon as possible, because the Republic of Bulgaria will benefit from it as well,” assessed Xhaferi.

After the statements for the media, the two opened “The Silver of Thrace” exhibition at the Archeological Museum.

The exhibition is organized by the Bulgaria National Archaeological Museum and displays 1.700 exhibits from 18 Bulgarian national, regional and municipal museums.

Photo: MIA