site.btaBulgaria Shares COVID-19 Expertise with North Macedonia Concerning Children with Special Needs

Pulmonologists from Bulgaria and North Macedonia gathered in Dojran on Saturday to discuss some aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on children with special needs. The conference was organized by the Profiko Civic Association with the support of the Bulgarian Embassy in Skopje in the framework of the development aid which the Bulgarian government provides to the neighbouring country. The idea was to share expertise to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on kids.

Bulgarian Ambassador to North Macedonia Angel Angelov noted that Sofia has consistently supported children with autism spectrum disorders in North Macedonia over the last few years. Bulgaria has funded the establishment and the equipment of three daycare centres for children with autism in Skopje and Ohrid. Another such facility is to open in Tetovo. Bulgaria provides annual financial support for the therapy of 30 kids of socially disadvantaged families. Bulgarian aid for children with autism so far exceeds EUR 500,000, Angelov said.

The diplomat noted: "My efforts and the efforts of the Bulgarian Embassy staff in the Republic of North Macedonia are aimed to create conditions for promoting bilateral dialogue and enhancing cooperation in all areas. It may sound as a cliche but I am convinced that the opening up of our two societies towards each other, our intensifying communication at all levels and our solidarity are a concrete expression and a solid foundation for our good neighbourly relations."