Milevski: Let us all together contribute to the melting of the differences between Skopje and Sofia

Goran Milevski / Photo: Free Press Archive

The development of the cooperation between the Republic of Northern Macedonia and Bulgaria in the field of education can help overcome the differences between the two countries, said the Minister of Local Self-Government Goran Milevski at today's conference BGMK2030 "Civic contribution to building trust, unity and alliance".

He sent a message to all political and social actors to contribute "to the melting of the differences between the two countries."

- We should look at what connects us, not what are our differences. And in that direction, I welcome today's meeting. First of all, I am happy because the Bulgarian municipalities have largely used the accession funds, using the IPA funds for their development. This mutual association here will only enable the exchange of knowledge so that our municipalities, which use them more, will be ready to use the funds when the negotiations are opened and we will start using the funds, the pre-accession funds, because the period ahead "All educational institutions and municipalities should make the most of it to attract EU funding, and to improve the living conditions of all citizens," he said.

Milevski added that even in times of crisis, the two countries in the past period achieved successful cooperation, especially with the use of funds for cross-border cooperation.

- Indeed, in these past periods when there were the coldest relations, the municipalities promoted the joint projects that they have implemented in the past period. Thus, I can say that this is an extension of the cooperation of the municipalities, but I hope that it will deepen, because now follows the IPA Z period of utilization of funds, concluded the Minister.

He appealed to the mayors and educational institutions of the two countries to cooperate and jointly apply for projects from European funds.

President of the Youth Club in the Parliament, Monika Zajkova emphasized that today's conference aims to show the importance of civic contribution in strengthening cooperation, especially from the aspect of the younger population.

- Now is not the time to be silent, neither as young people, nor as politicians about the benefits we can have from the cooperation as citizens of both countries. As a Member of Parliament and Coordinator of the Club for Youth Affairs and Policies, we insist on cooperation in the part of parliaments, ie young MPs among themselves in order to promote dialogue because it is in the interest of all of us to improve the living standards of those who they need to build the future in both countries.

The BGMK2030 Conference "Civic Contribution to Building Confidence, Community and Alliance" aims to stimulate debate on the current situation between the two countries, challenges and opportunities for civic contribution to building trust, unity and alliance and was organized by Renew Europe and AUE-FON.

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