Sofia, 13 September 2024 (MIA) - I am convinced that today’s conversation in a pleasant, friendly debate-like atmosphere will bear fruit. I can’t say that this will happen tomorrow, but what matters is to begin, President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova said Friday in a statement after her meeting with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev.

“Once more it was shown that when you sit down and talk led by good faith, bona fide, and not by mala fide, you can make a great step forward to finding important joint solutions. I am not here by coincidence, I came to talk, and of course now I expect President Radev to come to Skopje. I think that, and I am certain that, as I often say, thought can be faster than light, if we listen to each other, if we respect each other, if we want to understand each other, then the solution is within reach,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

Asked what specifically she agreed with Radev on, Siljanovska-Davkova said they came together over European integration, the Copenhagen criteria, a regional approach to solving problems.  

“We came together around the fact that we will receive the learned Bulgarian lessons on the European path, we won’t repeat the mistakes and that we will look for a compromise and a joint solution without anyone feeling insulted or hurt, and without anyone thinking they were forgotten,” she said.

Regarding Radev’s visit to Skopje, the President said the date hasn’t been set yet, but they’ve identified possible opportunities for the visit.

“To be honest, each of us voiced their position, we listened to each other with respect, but it is a fact that we represent the national interests of our countries, but it is also a fact that dialogue is a key solution,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

The President said they didn’t discuss the inclusion of the Bulgarians in the Constitution, nor any other specific issues.

Regarding her position about the constitutional amendments, Siljanovska-Davkova said the decisions on the issue are for the lawmakers in the Parliament to make and don’t depend on the positions of individuals.

“The inclusion of the Bulgarians in the Constitution doesn’t depend on me. If I were an absolute monarch, I’d be able to amend the Constitution, but it is the MPs that represent the citizens, they vote based on their personal conviction. I can’t suspend parliamentary democracy. Of course, we discussed all issues, I say discussed because we can’t adopt a solution nor impose it on the others and the nation. But we spoke, and that’s healthy,” Siljanovska-Davkova said.

The President also extended condolences over the death of two Bulgarian pilots in a plane crash on Friday, voicing understanding that Radev won’t be able to accompany her at the Macedonian Opera and Ballet’s performance of “Nabucco” in Sofia because of the crash. 

Radev did not make a statement after the meeting. But earlier on Friday he voiced hope that the open issues between the two countries will finally be solved.

“Bulgaria has always been open to dialogue with the Republic of North Macedonia, and I expect this dialogue to contribute to our cultural rapprochement as well as to boost economic cooperation. We expect North Macedonia to fulfil all its obligations, both to us and to the European Union,” Radev said.

According to Radev, the Government of North Macedonia has not yet left the pre-election rhetoric.

"The Government of North Macedonia has not yet left the pre-election rhetoric. It is necessary to return to reality. Our relations will depend on the agreements reached," Radev stated.

Photo: President Siljanovska-Davkova's Office