Sofia, 8 November 2022 (MIA) - As part of his two-day working visit to Sofia, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani met Tuesday with the leaders of the main political parties represented in the Bulgarian parliament for talks related to the countries' bilateral relations, the obligations stemming from the Friendship Treaty and the ways how to address open issues affecting the two neighboring countries in the interest of their citizens and their European future. "Regardless of the challenges, North Macedonia and Bulgaria must resume to foster their close relations and cooperation in the spirit of European values. It is what the two countries' citizens expect in addition to being partners and allies. Besides being allies in NATO, we are also expected to be partners in the EU. Regardless, we are first and foremost good neighbors," said Osmani adding that the aim should be stable and long-term partnership. In addition to bilateral relations, Osmani in his meetings with GERB leader Boyko Borissov, Kiril Petkov, co-leader of We Continue the Change, DPS leader Mustafa Karaday, Bulgarian Socialist Party leader Korneliya Ninova, Democratic Bulgaria's Hristo Ivanov and Stefan Yanev, leader of Bulgarian Rise discussed the current geopolitical challenges and being allies in NATO, tackling of the energy crisis and ways to enhance the positive trend in economic cooperation. During the meeting with Borissov at GERB's main offices, streamed live on Facebook, FM Osmani said that the best way to improve mutual relations is communication, MIA's Sofia correspondent reports. "It's very important that both sides react adequately to provocations," stated the top diplomat. Borissov, whose party in coalition with the Union of Democratic Forces (SDS), won most seats in the latest early parliamentary elections, said he is committed to improving the relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia stressing that provocative actions must stop because "they are no good." He added that the GERB-SDS coalition had won the Bulgarian elections and in addition to their support for the Republic of North Macedonia, it was demonstrated that the Bulgarians "have supported the nation closest to them and we should be together." Football fans booing the Bulgarian anthem during a match between the two national teams was not nice and it created tensions in Bulgaria, according to him. Borissov added it's not his business to interfere in the internal affairs of the country, however, he said that the amendments to the law on political parties and associations have provoked strong reactions in Bulgaria. The move negatively affects the good neighborly relations, he said asking the enforcement of the amendments to be delayed until the Venice Commission issued an opinion. The GERB leader also pointed out positive examples in the relations including the construction of a rail in North Macedonia leading to the border with Bulgaria as part of Corridor 8. Earlier, Minister Osmani met his Bulgarian counterpart Nikolay Milkov and Bulgarian PM Galab Donev. Osmani and Donev discussed the countries' overall relations and cooperation with an emphasis on economic cooperation and the readiness for joint response to the consequences from the energy crisis, said the Macedonian Foreign Ministry. According to a press release of the Bulgarian government, Donev at the meeting noted the need of the two countries to consistently implement the positive agenda in the relations, generate favorable climate without allowing what had been achieved to be undermined. Talks also focused on the "inclusion of Bulgarians in the Constitution of North Macedonia as a constitutive nation being a key step in starting negotiations for EU membership." Also, Donev noted the benefits from the two countries strengthening trade and economic relations and resuming cooperation in certain areas. "Energy cooperation and the construction of Corridor 8 as a strategic European communications and transport artery were some of the topics that were discussed," said the press release. Donev, added the press release, stressed the importance placed by Bulgaria on restoration and preservation of Bulgarian war monuments on the territory of North Macedonia saying he expected the government here to support the efforts.