Tragedies are what make us people and show empathy for those who are no longer with us, regardless of their nationality, Bulgaria’s caretaker Primier Stefan Yanev said at a joint press conference with North Macedonia’s Zoran Zaev, which took place at the Council of Ministers building. Sofia is considering the possibility to declare a day of national mourning in memory of the victims of the road accident on Struma motorway, Stefan Yanev added.

Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Health are working in close cooperation with their counterparts in North Macedonia. The prosecutor's offices of the two countries are also working together, Premier Yanev assured.

In Zoran Zaev’s words, the victims of the tragic accident are 46, including 11 children. We are working together to conduct a high-level investigation, Zoran Zaev confirmed. "We stand together in good or bad times. Yes, this tragedy will have a positive effect on our relations, because we have to help each other in difficult situations and share the joyful moments", said Zaev in response to a question whether the latest tragedy would affect the bilateral relations between Bulgaria and North Macedonia.

"I have always believed in dialogue. I hope that we will seek a solution that is mutually beneficial for both countries and in the interest of the people on both sides of the border", said Yanev.

Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev offered condolences to Northern Macedonia’s head of state Stevo Pendarovski over the tragic accident on Struma motorway, which claimed 44 lives.

"In this difficult time, Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia share a common grief, solidarity and empathy. The dozens of lives that were lost are an irreconcilable loss for our brotherly nations", Rumen Radev said.

North Macedonia’s President Stevo Pendarovski voiced expectations that the competent authorities would conduct a full investigation to establish the causes of the tragedy, which is unprecedented in North Macedonia's history.

I would like to thank the Bulgarian authorities for their quick response, said North Macedonia’s Minister of Health Venko Filipče. Minister Filipče, North Macedonia’s Premier Zoran Zaev and this country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bujar Osmani visited the seven survivors of the crash accommodated at Pirogov Hospital. All of them are in stable condition and we will be transferred to Skopje in a day or two, Bujar Osmani said.