Deputy Foreign Minister Ivanka Tasheva received copies of the letters of credence of North Macedonia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Bulgaria Krum Efremov, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Bulgaria reaffirmed its constructive support for North Macedonia’s European integration, which required full implementation of commitments under the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation and the 2022 European consensus, the ministry said.

Tasheva pointed to progress in implementing the agreement between the Bulgarian and North Macedonian governments on the preparation, construction and operation of a cross-border railway tunnel forming part of Corridor VIII. She described this as a positive example of the opportunities and results that political will could deliver.

Tasheva stressed the importance of connectivity both for the region’s economic development and for strengthening ties between people on either side of the border. She described those ties as the greatest asset, but said building them required sincere dialogue and respect, without provocations or hate speech.

Efremov expressed his wish to develop bilateral relations through constructive dialogue and closer sectoral cooperation, including in trade, tourism and infrastructure.

Tasheva wished Efremov a successful term in Bulgaria and expressed hope for tangible progress on all these issues.