Sofia, 20 December 2021 (MIA) – Bulgarian President Rumen Radev told Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday that the Bulgaria-North Macedonia Friendship Treaty and the Greece-North Macedonia Prespa Agreement should be incorporated in North Macedonia’s EU negotiating framework, MIA reports from Sofia. Radev and Mitsotakis agreed that North Macedonia’s European integration is in the interest of the entire region but the process should be linked to the observance of European values and undertaken commitments in bilateral agreements, said the Bulgarian President’s Office. Interlocutors also discussed enhancement of bilateral energy, transport and economic cooperation, as well as further development of the countries’ strategic partnership, seen as crucial not only in bilateral relations but also for the stability in Southeast Europe. They also pledged for acceleration of the process of building the gas interconnector, whereas the launch of the Alexandroupolis gas terminal in 2023, in which Bulgaria owns 20 percent of shares, will produce an added positive effect on energy diversification between the two countries. In addition, Sofia and Athens aim to improve transport networking, including through the opening of new border crossings.