“The good neighbour agreement between Bulgaria and Macedonia is an important page in the relations between the two countries, but there will still be a lot of work to be done after it is signed,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ekaterina Zaharieva in a televised interview.

She stressed that the government was taking the 1999 declaration as a sound basis for the agreement. Minister Zaharieva commented further that work on the agreement has taken years.

“We have no intention of conducting negotiations any more, this is the agreement the government of Bulgaria will sign. I hope it will also be supported by parliament.”

Regarding the 77 Bulgarian citizens Turkey has barred from entering its territory, Zaharieva stated that Bulgaria has asked for information concerning these 77 nationals.

“Our authorities have asked the Turkish authorities for this information. Our services have no data concerning any such 77 citizens,” she said.