In the government we are fully aware of the international obligations that have to be respected, above all for the sake of protecting the country from new crises and blockades. This means that regardless of our personal or political views, we will act statesmanlike, with dignity and with the clear aim of ensuring stability, prosperity and a European future for our citizens.

This is what North Macedonia's Interior Minister Panče Toshkovski said in response to a question about his position on the Prespa Agreement. According to this agreement, our western neighbour renamed itself the Republic of North Macedonia and changed its constitution in line with Greece's demands, BGNES reports.

Toshkovski gave a "positive assessment of the cooperation with Greece on the migrant issue".

According to him, "North Macedonia is located on one of the key migration corridors to Europe and therefore has a serious role to play in addressing this challenge." Although we are not a member of the EU, we act as a true partner, professionally, responsibly and in the interest of regional security, Toshkovski added.

We have operational communication with the Greek authorities, in particular in the exchange of information and coordination of actions, he further stressed to the Independent Balkan News Agency.

Regarding the European perspective and "Bulgarian demands", Panče Toshkovski, quoted by the state-run news agency in Skopje, said that "what is happening to the country in the European process is more than stagnation, it is injustice, and the European idea should not be reduced to bilateral blackmail".

"The government will continue to work on reforms, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, not because someone is imposing it on us, but because it is necessary for our society. But, at the same time, we will say clearly and with dignity "Enough". It is time for Europe to face the question: are the Western Balkans really part of its future? If the answer is yes, then the doors should be opened with respect and partnership, not with new demands and conditions", he concluded. | BGNES