Skopje, 14 January 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski, who will attend the inauguration of United States President Donald Trump as part of the delegation led by Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, says the incoming US administration represents an important event for the country.

"We will attend many formal and informal activities, as well as the inauguration itself. Let's affirm our positions with the incoming administration, let's continue to foster personal relations, let's reaffirm the continuity we expect from the US foreign policy in the region, commitment to European integration and the NATO alliance, as well as issues that are of crucial importance to us," FM Mickoski told Telma.

Mucunski says bilateral trade ties with the US must strengthen, not only in the aspect of investments but also the export-import portfolio, adding that the close relationship of PM Mickoski with the Commerce Secretary pick Howard Lutnik, who recently paid a visit to the country, could lead to a breakthrough.

"Regarding the political-security aspect, we need an added incentive from the US concerning the challenges the region is facing. Not that the focus was lacking until now, but I expect this focus to enhance, having in mind the Government's relations with individuals who are expected to take up high-level positions in the Department of State. We have to use this advantage to our benefit and the deserved attention must be earned," says Mucunski.

On the Euro-integration process, the FM says the Government's intention is to be the best it can be for the citizens but also in the eyes of the European partners through the delivery of reforms.

"I would like to see the EU say 'this is a government that delivers reforms' but at the same time to reach a rational solution with Bulgaria that will guarantee no further reasons to again block our Euro-integration in six-months time," says Mucunski.

He is also pleased by the rhetoric of stakeholders in Brussels that involves dialogue and rational solutions, and not just constitutional amendments, "a change that the government has managed to initiate in the past six months," he adds.

"The key is to ensure predictability on the path to membership, which can currently be achieved only through constitutional amendments with delayed effect. If Brussels has other ideas, we are open for dialogue, but through consultations with experts, NGOs and the public," says Mucunski.

The FM says the Bulgaria issue would best be solved with a political government in Sofia and "talks should be conducted with an executive having full political legitimacy".

MIA file photo