Skopje, 28 October 2022 (MIA) – Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani said Friday he would not attend the opening of a club of the Macedonian community in Blagoevgrad this weekend because he believes that neither this club nor the Bulgarian ones opening in North Macedonia benefit the Macedonian community in Bulgaria or the Bulgarian community in North Macedonia. FM Osmani told a press briefing that the opening of Bulgarian clubs in Ohrid and Bitola, but also the Macedonian club in Blagoevgrad, does not help goodneighborly relations, while adding that his opinion is corroborated by the information about the Blagoevgrad club financiers. “It is a foundation from Canada that has its own website, but if you see its positions regarding the country’s strategic interests, you will see it does not favor them. The fact that the club is financed by this association shows that the initiative is not well-intentioned,” said Osmani. On the Bulgarian clubs in North Macedonia, he said they are also not favoring goodneighborly relations. “The Bulgarian Ambassador attended the club opening, the other one as well, it is clear who is behind them, but I repeat – this is not the way to help the Bulgarian community in the country,” noted Osmani. He said it should not be allowed for someone to kidnap the agenda because of political and partisan interests, adding that the opening of such clubs in both countries is not a long-term solution. Regarding the support by Bulgarian officials of the Bulgarian clubs named after controversial figures, the FM said a process would not have taken place if North Macedonia had not had differences with Bulgaria, but expects all differences to be overcome one day. “Let’s go back on the normal track in the spirit of friendship. These developments are not smart, they might satisfy the need for hitting back on the short run, but this is not the path. The cornerstone of the railway leading to Sofia will contribute much more for Macedonians in Bulgaria and Bulgarians in North Macedonia than this ill-intentioned club contest,” said Osmani. He added that citizens in both countries have the absolute right to open clubs, but in line with laws. Osmani said he would visit Sofia in the coming days or weeks for talks on intensifying the activities of working groups and imposing a constructive agenda, while adding that despite all problems, bilateral trade exchange has surpassed EUR 1 billion for the first time on record.