"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, based on the traditionally good relations between Bulgaria and Turkey, and in light of the forthcoming meeting of the Joint Commission on Outstanding Issues, believes that similar statements do not contribute to the development of bilateral dialogue oriented at seeking effective and pragmatic solutions.

Bulgaria - as a country founded more than 1300 years ago - has significant and lasting historical, cultural and spiritual presence, heritage and traditions in Southeast Europe.

Guided by the experience of history, we believe that interpretations related to the past of our region should be treated with special caution, and with taking into full account its characteristics, as well as the sensitivity they may provoke.

We would like to recall that respect for international law - including the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity - are fundamental both for good neighborly relations, and for the European perspective of any country."

Statement by Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reacting to a controversial statement by Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in which Erdogan referred to alleged historic ties between Turkey and territories in Bulgaria, Greece and Macedonia, uniting them under the historical name of the region of Thrace.

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