''My message to the President of the Republic of North Macedonia is that Bulgaria expects a prompt change of rhetoric and an end to hate speech", President Rumen Radev told journalists in Rome. "The Republic of North Macedonia must demonstrate that it truly desires to be part of a united Europe by meeting all the requirements set by the European Union", President Radev added.

Rumen Radev said that the Bulgarian delegation had not been able to meet the delegation of the Republic of North Macedonia, which is also visiting Rome and the Vatican on the occasion of May 24. For her part, the President of the Republic of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska told journalists that both she and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev had expressed a desire for a meeting, but it did not happen due to the busy schedules of the two delegations.

"I consider the Republic of North Macedonia’s desire for dialogue a positive sign. Only through dialogue can we strengthen mutual trust, resolve all contentious issues and open the door to the EU for the Republic of North Macedonia. I hope and call for this meeting to take place as soon as possible", President Radev said.