Skopje, 28 September 2021 (MIA) – I honestly believe that it is possible to reach an agreement with Bulgaria by the end of the year that will be based on European values and respect of identity issues, using as a basis the proposal of the Portuguese EU presidency as well as the current Slovenian EU presidency, PM Zoran Zaev said on Tuesday. During the joint press conference in Skopje with EC President Ursula von der Leyen, he noted that the country has shown readiness and constructive contribution so far, but emphasized that identity issues are non-negotiable, adding that there are positive signals from Bulgaria in this regard. “In the spirit of European good neighborly relations, we will intensify the talks with Bulgaria with a sincere will to take steps closer to resolving our open issues. Thus far, we have shown readiness and constructive contribution to resolving bilateral issues through mutual respect and protection of national dignity, but identity issues are non-negotiable and we are pleased that signals of understanding are coming from Bulgaria on these issues, which are also European values,” Zaev said. “I honestly believe, and as the EC hopes that we can really find a solution by the end of the year, which will be based on European values and rules where identity issues are respected. We nurture all European identities here, we want our Macedonian identity with the Macedonian language to be nurtured. I am glad that we have positive signals in that part of the most important area which it is discussed,” Zaev told reporters. The remaining part refers to the roadmap through which the cooperation will be promoted and accelerated in accordance with the Friendship Treaty, which contains exactly the two notes for the short and full name, as well as non-interference in internal affairs. “I believe that we will reach an agreement, based on the proposal of the Portuguese EU presidency that the Slovenian EU presidency accepted as a possible solution that is realistically acceptable to both parties. The spirit of friendship, cooperation and good neighborliness should be nurtured by both sides,” Zaev said.