Bulgaria's former President, Zhelyu Zhelev, has stated that the country is a true friend and sincerely supports Macedonia's future membership in the European Union.

"All Balkan countries, without exception, should join the European Union and NATO," Zhelev said for the Macedonian TV channel A1.

The former Bulgarian president from 1990 to 1997 also said that Macedonia and Greece are leading a comic, and tragic at times, so-called "name dispute", in which they use legends and myths of the past.

"The most ridiculous thing in this dispute is the fact that both countries, which call themselves democratic, claim the inheritance of Alexander the Great," Zhelev said.

He also commented on the suggestions for the creation of a new Balkan federation, like the one proposed in 1994 by the former Serbian President, Slobodan Milosevic.

"These ideas do not have any future or success. There have been many proposals for a Balkan federation or Slavic federation, but in the end, none of them was realized ," Zhelev said.

He noted, however, that Bulgaria has not only recognized the independence of the former Yugoslav republic, but has also helped for its recognition by other countries like Turkey, Russia, Ukraine and the United States.

The Republic of Macedonia declared independence on September 8, 1991 after conducting a national referendum.

On January 15, 1992, Bulgaria was the first country, which recognized the independence.