At a meeting in Sofia held on the initiative of the representatives of organizations and associations of Bulgarians in North Macedonia on 22 February, Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Kiril Petkov stressed that the rights of the Bulgarian communities are a priority for the entire Bulgarian government, the government press service has announced. PM Petkov informed our compatriots of the progress of the negotiations between the governments of Bulgaria and of North Macedonia, with a focus on including Bulgarians in the Constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia. Kiril Petkov also acquainted the delegation with his talks with the European partners with regard to the European integration of the Western Balkans. On their part, the guests from North Macedonia stated their support for the new approach by the Bulgarian government, in the belief that dialogue is the only way the problems can be resolved.

Earlier in the day, President Rumen Radev has met in Sofia with representatives of Bulgarian organizations and associations from the Republic of North Macedonia. "In addition to all cooperation activities, where we have clear schedules, there must be a clear calendar schedule for solving existing political problems, too" the head of state said. "I consider inclusion of Bulgarians in the constitution of the Republic of North Macedonia and guarantees of their rights to be mandatory conditions for the start of negotiations. There must also be clear guarantees for the protection of Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage in the Republic of North Macedonia," the president said.

He added that before giving a green light to negotiations, serious efforts must be made to eradicate hate speech. "This is not Bulgarian interference in the affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia. This is an expression of our concern and support for an effective path to EU membership," President Radev said. He was clear that he did not support any separatist ideas. "I support the desire for being full citizens of your country and for becoming visible in its legal world," the president said.