Skopje, 19 February 2023 (MIA) — Bulgaria’s Vice President Iliana Iotova, on her way back from Kosovo, held a meeting with North Maccedonia’s Bulgarian community members in Skopje, reassuring them they are an essential part of the Bulgarian nation and play a vital role for the spread of Bulgarian culture, language and values, BGNES reported.

The meeting at the Bulgarian Embassy was attended by scholars, politicians, businessmen and other citizens.

Iotova, speaking about the Hristijan Pendikov incident, said the authorities in Sofia were carefully following developments in the case. She also said "Bulgarian self-awareness, not Bulgarian documents, is what makes you Bulgarian."

“The Bulgarian community in Macedonia has a rich cultural heritage, which deserves to be honored and cherished. The promotion of Bulgarian culture and tradition in Macedonia will strengthen the Bulgarian community and lead to closer relations between Bulgaria and Macedonia,” the Bulgarian vice president said. mr/