A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Skopje between the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works and the Ministry of Local Self-Government of the Republic of Northern Macedonia

The Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Petya Avramova and the Minister of Local Self-Government of the Republic of Northern Macedonia Goran Milevski signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two ministries in Skopje.

The document is indicative of the excellent long-term and fruitful cooperation between our two countries and ministries. Bulgaria and the Republic of Northern Macedonia maintain active contacts in all areas of mutual interest, which is an important condition for development, prosperity and stability in Southeast Europe, said Minister Avramova.

The memorandum will expand opportunities for partnership and exchange of experience in regional policy, local self-government, cross-border cooperation, improving connectivity and building strategic infrastructure.

The two sides undertake to hold meetings on issues of mutual interest. Trainings, seminars, expert working groups will also be organised and there will be a regular exchange of information. A joint working group is set up for this purpose.

Prior to the ceremony, the two delegations met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Northern Macedonia, Zoran Zaev. During the meeting, the commitment of both parties to the implementation of projects that will improve connectivity in the region with a focus on Corridor No. 8 was emphasised, as well as the cross-border cooperation with European Union funds.

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Northern Macedonia Zoran Zaev thanked for the great support that the Republic of Bulgaria provides on the country’s path to NATO and European Union membership.

Following the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighbourliness and Cooperation between the two countries in 2017, the political dialogue was intensified and an impetus was given to the development of sectoral cooperation. “Obviously, Europe appreciates our efforts, because our two countries are given the opportunity to chair the Berlin Process for the Western Balkans next year. This can only motivate us to work diligently on all topics of mutual interest,” Minister Avramova said.

She also pointed out the progress on the cross-border co-operation programme with the Republic of Northern Macedonia. 48 projects totaling more than EUR 10 million have already been completed. 17 new contracts for EUR 5 million in the field of environmental protection, climate change, improving river passability, protection of the local population from floods and fires, protection of cultural heritage, tourism development, etc. are under implementation.

The regional minister emphasiсed that the acceleration of the Pan-European Transport Corridor Но. 8, which is the shortest connection between the Adriatic and the Black Sea, is of particular importance. So far, Bulgaria has done a lot for its implementation through the construction of the Thracia Highway, and Struma Highway is also under construction. Now we are facing the challenge of finding opportunities for the realiсation of the highway Dupnitsa-Kyustendil-Gueshevo. “Our wish is for the two capitals - Sofia and Skopje, to be connected by a good highway, as well as by a fast railway. We are also working on the construction of a new Klepalo border checkpoint, which will improve the economic ties,” Avramova said. In 2018, with the funds of the Road Infrastructure Agency, preventive repairs were carried out of approximately 20 km of the third-class road Strumyani - Razdol - border with the Republic of Northern Macedonia. For the remaining 8.8 km, a financial opportunity for design and construction is sought.

The Minister noted that in the coming years our country will have more funds for road infrastructure, because an electronic system for collecting tolls for crossing the national network is under construction.

As of August 13, drivers with registration numbers from the Republic of Northern Macedonia have bought 85,000 e-vignettes with a total value of over BGN 2 million, which ranks Northern Macedonia fifth in Bulgaria’s sales to foreign drivers. The fastest and most convenient way to pay for electronic vignettes is over the Internet. Romania, Turkey, Germany and Greece are before Northern Macedonia.

We expect our relations to receive a much larger development, corresponding to the proximity of our countries, said Minister Avramova in conclusion.