The Bulgarian Parliament Ratified Macedonia's Accession to NATO (UPDATED)

Politics | February 20, 2019, Wednesday // 11:34
Bulgaria: The Bulgarian Parliament Ratified Macedonia's Accession to NATO (UPDATED)

Parliament ratified the protocol for the accession of northern Macedonia to NATO unanimously. The MPs from the BSP were absent, reports Dnevnik. 


The moment of joining NATO is historic to the alliance, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva said. She recalled that Bulgaria is a consistent supporter of Macedonia's entry into NATO, and NATO's enlargement policy is seen as one of the most successful tools for prosperity.


"Following these beliefs, several Bulgarian governments have decided to conclude memoranda with the then Republic of Macedonia, and the road of joining NATO has not been easy for our neighbors." The joint teachings of our armies will contribute to the development of our capabilities, "the Foreign Minister . "Membership in NATO marks a new stage in the relations between our two countries, and work on infrastructure improvement, highways and roads is still in the agenda, which will create new opportunities for future investors, which will help to develop our two economies, "said Zaharieva in the presence of the chairman of the meeting of Northern Macedonia Talat Xhaferi.


The place of Northern Macedonia is in the EU and NATO, so we can counteract all threats from third parties, said GERB chairman Tsvetan Tsvetanov. "NATO will provide additional security, NATO will also ensure the implementation of the efforts for future EU membership," Tsvetanov said. "You will be supported in every effort to establish yourself as a reliable partner in NATO and for your future European membership," Tsvetanov said to Talat Xhaferi.


Prior to the second vote, NFSA leader Valeriy Simeonov pointed out that Northern Maedonia should guarantee the rights of citizens with Bulgarian self-awareness who have career problems because they are defined as Bulgarians.


According to the President of the Parliament, Tsveta Karayancheva, with the ratification, Bulgaria has shown a determination to take care of the region's security. "The Balkans have long been a battle for confrontation, but Bulgaria and northern Macedonia have set an example for working together for peace," she said. Karayancheva vowed that in the face of Bulgaria North Macedonia has a friend.


Talat Xhaferi thanked Bulgarian MPs. He also said that the Neighborhood Agreement between the two countries is working. "We have been waiting for NATO membership for so many years, NATO is becoming a reality for us today," said Xhaferi. He announced that, with the help of a neighbor like Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia will be on the path of its integration.

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