President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova today received the credentials of the newly appointed ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria, Zhelyazko Radukov.

At the ceremony of handing over the letters of credence, President Siljanovska Davkova wished Ambassador Radukov a warm welcome and a successful performance of his important diplomatic function in the direction of promoting relations and cooperation in a positive direction that will contribute to the rapprochement of the two countries and citizens.

President Siljanovska Davkova stressed that relations between the two countries are unfortunately not at the desired level and are not suitable for countries that are immediate neighbors and allies in NATO, one of which is a member of the European Union, and the other is a candidate for membership with a strong commitment to EU integration.

"A change in approach through developing relationships and creating a positive difference is necessary. In that sense, I, as the President of all the citizens of this country, express my expectation and hope that you, respected ambassador, will work on developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest with a focus on the challenges of everyday life and the future", said President Siljanovska Davkova. , encouraging Ambassador Radukov to work directly with both institutional and other stakeholders in Macedonian society: the civil and business sectors, cultural, scientific and educational institutions, the media.

"We appreciate the extremely important and complex process of dialogue that presupposes rapprochement, building and nurturing friendship, through mutual respect of two neighboring European states, and in this sense, I believe that respect for dignity, commitments to European integration and good neighborly relations are completely complementary and mutual interests of both countries", said President Siljanovska Davkova.

Ambassador Radukov, at the ceremony of handing over the credentials, assessed that his mission begins in particularly extraordinary circumstances, pointing out that the devastating effects of the war in Ukraine, the crisis in the Middle East, the consequences of the pandemic, the political and social polarization of the global community have put us at risk.

"The best response, we have said over the years, is to unite against every single security threat." By now we have all proven that the value of standing strong and together in the face of aggression and hardship is what is valuable. Due to the daily turbulence in our bilateral relations, we seem to forget that our two countries are allies in the most powerful political and military alliance. Joint membership has brought us countless benefits. However, we didn't get it for free. Our countries have paid and will continue to pay the necessary price to be allies with all our partners, but also with each other", said Ambassador Radukov, who pointed to Corridor 8 as a project that is important not only for the security of both countries. , but also the Alliance.

"As such, it is far from any other aspect of our bilateral relations and its importance must not be underestimated either from a civilian, security or military point of view", said Ambassador Radukov.