The past should not be an obstacle to future development, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki says regarding Macedonia-Bulgaria bilateral relations. He does not expect Bulgaria to hinder Macedonia's Euro-integration.

"I am convinced there is no benefit for Bulgaria from a negative stance towards the Republic of Macedonia. I believe that our sincere and open relationship, reiterated at the last meeting between Prime Ministers Gruevski and Borisov in Skopje, represents a good indicator of what we want to achieve. We want correct, open and constructive relations between two European partners. It would be exceptionally damaging if Bulgaria hinders Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic processes, taking into account it is a country that joined the Union in the last enlargement round, seeing enormous benefits from such integration. There is no argument for Bulgaria to allow any future obstacles over realization of the European project, which includes Macedonia's EU membership", Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki told Deutsche Welle.

He stresses that one of the crucial messages sent at all bilateral meetings was that history should be left to historians and that no one should allow the past to be an obstacle to future development.

"This also means respect of mutual positions and self-determination rights. Furthermore, just like Macedonia and Macedonians respect Bulgaria and Bulgarians, they should respect the will and feelings of Macedonia and its citizens", Poposki said.

Regarding the pace of the Macedonian-Bulgarian relations, the Foreign Minister stresses that Skopje remains committed to realization of all projects and initiatives it has supported.

"There has been an announcement over continuation of meetings between representatives of countries' Foreign Ministries. We would like to have a qualitative improvement through an increasing number of contacts, including political ones, which reflect the excellent relations among people and businesses. We aim at putting behind all those artificially created problems that motivated certain blockades in bilateral relations", Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki stated.