The Bulgarian side insists on reliable guarantees that Bulgaria's fundamental interests will not be violated. The practice of trampling on the rights of people with Bulgarian self-consciousness in the Republic of North Macedonia must be stopped, the position reads. Regardless of the challenges, Bulgaria and North Macedonia should develop full-fledged and neighborhood-based relations in all areas. Effective implementation of the Treaty should be among the criteria in the Negotiating Framework for the Republic of North Macedonia. At the same time, the open approach demonstrated by North Macedonia on this topic, including the adoption of the Neighborhood Criteria in the Negotiating Framework, is to be welcomed.