Skopje, 27 January 2023 (MIA) – Prime Ministers of Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Galab Donev and Dimitar Kovachevski respectively, spoke Friday over the phone on current bilateral developments, the Bulgarian government said in a press release.

The two PMs discussed the need for peaceful and unhindered observance of the 151st anniversary from the birth of Goce Delchev.

In this regard, Bulgaria’s caretaker Deputy PM and Minister of Interior Ivan Demerdzhiev and State Agency for National Security director Plamen Tonchev will hold a meeting with Macedonian counterparts in Skopje on Monday, (January 30), detailing the joint activities in order to guarantee a peaceful and safe February 4 observance.

Donev and Kovachevski also discussed the benefits of enhanced bilateral cooperation in the security sector, especially in cases of crimes and threats against nationals of North Macedonia with Bulgarian identity. PM Donev reiterated the expectations that North Macedonia undertakes the necessary activities to put an end to hate speech and acts, but also in regard to the respect of rights of Macedonian Bulgarians, reads the press release.