The 36th meeting of the joint multidisciplinary historical commission between Bulgaria and North Macedonia was held today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia, BGNES reported.

“Today's meeting was no different from the previous ones. The atmosphere was best during lunch. But we do not agree on the essential issues that need to be debated. I cannot say that we have done anything useful,” said Professor Angel Dimitrov.

Since May 2018, Dimitrov has been co-chair of the Joint Multidisciplinary Expert Commission on Historical and Educational Issues of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia.

"During today's meeting, the issue of Marko Cepenkov was raised, not by me, but by my Macedonian colleagues, which surprised me. Marko Cepenkov was proposed for debate in connection with the upcoming anniversary. He is an important figure in the field of culture who is respected in both countries, but we did not reach an agreement with our colleagues from Skopje," Professor Angel Dimitrov added.

He announced that two meetings will be held in September, one of which will be online, in a smaller circle, so that the remaining minutes from previous meetings can be finalized.

“This is how we have been operating for quite some time, despite the fact that it contradicts the essence of the commission's work,” Dimitrov added.

The Macedonian members declined to comment on today's meeting, saying that “there will be an official statement tomorrow.”

The commission was established as a result of the Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation Agreement signed on August 1, 2017, and is a key part of the agreement. | BGNES