The only way to bring the two peoples of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia (RCM) together, so that they can be as close as possible - both historically and in a perspective that connects the countries in the European Union, is to talk.

Dialogue is indispensable if we want to cut through the flow of fake news, of interpretation of different historical events, facts or points of view.

The only way is to sit at the table and talk.

This is what MEP Ilhan Kyucyuk - permanent rapporteur of the European Parliament for the Republic of North Macedonia and co-chairman of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats in Europe (ALDE) told BTA before media representatives in Veliko Tarnovo.

All about the topic:

Relations Bulgaria - Republic of Macedonia 638

Kyuchyuk participated in a meeting "Time for conversation", hosted by BTA, between journalists from the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia.

A day after the parliament in Skopje voted to accept the French proposal for the country's accession to the European Union, Kyucyuk commented that, according to him, there is a sense of calm in both Bulgarian and Macedonian society.

According to him, one should speak coolly, calmly and clearly explain the things contained in the membership documents.

"We want both sides to be reflected in the best possible way in EU documents. This is all that is needed to preserve good relations, to restore trust, to create better conditions for future cooperation within the proposal of the European Commission. "It would be a problem if the dividing lines were deepened, rather than looking for a way to overcome this difference," added Kyuchuk.

Sofia and Skopje signed a bilateral protocol in a step towards EU membership of the RSM

He pointed out that this deepening of differences could be provoked if there is nationalism on both sides.

Political parties and their representatives have built careers on the basis of such talk, which in essence does not help either to resolve past issues related to history, or to the perspective that should increasingly unite us within the EU, the MEP pointed out.

According to him, the previous mistakes should not be allowed.

"The Macedonian side is right in one thing - that the demands must have some end. On the other hand, Bulgaria's concerns are also well-founded, seeing that certain points, which are very important in the relations between the two countries, were not sufficiently well reflected. I see the created situation as an opportunity to strengthen relations, create a clear perspective and all expectations of both sides to be fairly reflected in the European documents. After all, this is what we all want - to have a European guarantee that will give perspective to both sides," he pointed out Ilkhan Kyuchuk.

The MEP reminded that EU integration happens step by step, and what happened in the Republic of North Macedonia is the first very important step of this process.

"I want to congratulate all the democratic forces in North Macedonia who showed real bravery. They are not traitors and apostates, on the contrary - they love their country and created a European perspective for a better future for North Macedonia. From now on, everything is in the hands of politicians on both sides, to find the necessary tone and balance in relations in order to continue in a very constructive conversation about the future within the framework of the European procedure", added Kyucyuk.

The opposition has a significant role in a negotiation process.

But the opposition must consider where it wants to be - in the past or if it wants to continue to lead its citizens into the future.

Then it must show not only bravery but also wisdom in its actions or remain somewhere in the gray and let other countries dictate the country's agenda.

According to him, the "Time for Conversation" meeting between Bulgarian journalists and journalists from the Republic of North Macedonia in Veliko Tarnovo lays a good foundation for dialogue.

"During the year, many good things happened in the relations between the two countries, which were overshadowed by the opposition at the political level," added Kyuchuk.

Relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of Macedonia

Veliko Tarnovo