site.btaBulgarian Ambassador to Skopje: I Expect Only Positive Developments between Bulgaria and North Macedonia in 2023

Bulgarian Ambassador to Skopje Angel Angelov said that the outgoing 2022 was tumultuous with the usual highs and lows in the relations between the two countries. The diplomat outlined two positive trends: growth in commercial exchange and defence cooperation.

"For the first time two-way trade between the two countries in 2022 exceeded EUR 1 bln, which means that the business follows the positive trends in bilateral relations and efforts should be made along those lines, and the arm forces of North Macedonia participate in NATO’s battlegroup deployed at Bulgaria’s Novo Selo and I think that this cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces is extremely positive,” said Angelov. 

He said that there outstanding issues remain such as the rights of Bulgarian in North Macedonia, the operation of cultural clubs but it is important to show the positive trends, because this is the way to overcome difficulties and relations to develop.

"I hope that only positive things will happen in 2023 and we are here to cast bridges,” said Ambassador Angelov to the media in North Macedonia, after embassy employees paid respects to Brazilian footballer Pele, who died on Thursday.