The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) insists that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons the Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to explain comments made by North Macedonia’s Deputy Premier Aleksandar Nikoloski. In a TV interview he called the Bulgarians "uncivilized" and categorically denied that the two countries have a common history. According to BSP, Bulgaria's response should be "extremely sharp". Aleksandar Nikoloski's remarks were in relation to the absence of North Macedonia’s flag at an informal meeting between Presidents Rumen Radev and Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova on Friday, September 13.

"The ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia must be immediately recalled until Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people receive a proper apology for the insults against the Bulgarian state and nation!", wrote Delyan Peevski, chairman of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms’ parliamentary group.

"I think that the words are offensive and intemperate and North Macedonia's politicians need to understand one thing—if they want to become members of the European Union, they must respect the written agreements", said Assen Vassilev from We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB).

"The Republic of North Macedonia has no place in the EU", commented Toshko Yordanov, leader of the parliamentary group of There is Such a People (ITN).

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on the matter: "In connection with the latest insulting qualifications towards Bulgaria and the Bulgarian people by officials from the Republic of North Macedonia, we categorically refuse to enter into in such an un-European tone that is incompatible with good manners. Our partners have been informed of the groundless provocations aimed at destroying the dialogue, among other things. Once again, we remind that fostering good neighborly relations is key to the European future of the Republic of North Macedonia", reads the Foreign Ministry’s statement.

• President Radev explains the absence of the Macedonian flag at his meeting with the president of North Macedonia