Bulgarian Foreign Minister Kristian Vigenin has reiterated his country’s support for the EU integration efforts of the Western Balkan countries and Turkey.

On Wednesday, Vigenin participated in in the meeting of the EU General Affairs Council in Brussels, dealing with the preparation of the upcoming European Council meeting of Thursday and Friday.

Vigening expressed support to the opening of accession negotiations with Serbia in 2014, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry said in a press release after the meeting.

He emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of minorities and sustaining good neighborly relations, stressing the enhanced political dialogue between Serbia and Bulgaria in recent months.

The Bulgarian top diplomat called for granting the status of candidate country to Albania,  supporting the proposal the Council to discuss this issue again in March next year if there is a lack of consensus now.

As regards the Republic of Macedonia, Vigenin reminded that the signing of a Treaty of friendship, cooperation and good- neighborliness which will enable Bulgaria to support the start of accession negotiations, remains a priority.

In this context, Minister Vigenin expressed support to the draft conclusions, calling the Republic of Macedonia to take significant steps towards improving good neighborly relations.

Minister Vigenin welcomed Montenegro's progress and expressed support for the opening of the next chapters, including the most difficult - 23 and 24, saying that the country can serve as an example to the other Western Balkan countries.

In this part of the discussion, Minister Vigenin welcomed the readmission agreement between the EU and Turkey, emphasizing that Bulgaria expects its timely ratification and entry into force.

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