Sofia, February 3 (BTA) - Foreign Minister Teodora Genchovska conferred here on Thursday with visiting Austrian Federal Minister for the EU and Constitution, Karoline Edtstadler, the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry reported.

Genchovska has presented to Edtstadler Bulgaria's position regarding the Republic of North Macedonia and the Bulgarian Government's efforts to enhance bilateral dialogue and provide maximum support to its neighbour on its path towards the EU.

Minister Edtstadler expressed gratitude that finally progress has been made in the relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia, adding that these concrete steps will lead to concrete results.

Edtstadler said that she and Minister Genchovska discussed the fact that it is not just about making progress in logistics, transport connectivity, opening a direct flight service or appointing an Ambassador of the Republic of North Macedonia to Bulgaria, but also the fact that progress is needed when it comes to history and all matters of mutual importance for both countries. She congratulated Genchovska for everything the Bulgarian Government is doing in that regard. "These are very important steps, very important signs were given during this progress and we will do everything possible to use this impetus of progress and will support you in your efforts, because you are our partner within the EU," Karoline Edtstadler said. "We have always seen our role as countries that build bridges towards the countries in the Western Balkans," she added.

The Austrian Minister recalled that Genchovska will visit the Republic of North Macedonia on Friday for the opening of the Bulgarian News Agency's press club in Skopje and the commemorations of the 150th birth anniversary of Gotse Delchev, who is a national hero in both the Republic of North Macedonia and Bulgaria, and this anniversary will be celebrated in both countries. "This is a historical event on which I would like to congratulate Bulgaria,: she said.

"Rest assured that we are on your side, we are siding with security and ensuring that this progress is supported," Minister Edtstadler said.

Among the other topics discussed between Genchovska and Edtstadler were the situation surrounding Ukraine and issues related to migration, security and Schengen.

Regarding Ukraine, Genchovska said that the issue is a very important one on the EU agenda, adding that the main message of the EU is that there must be unity and solidarity. "The message, which is also the EU, is that we rely on resolving this issue solely through diplomatic means. We also rely on close cooperation and unified messages together with NATO and the US," Minister Genchovska said.

Karoline Edtstadler noted that there still isn't a common European solution to the issues related to security and migration, expressing hope that a common policy concerning these important questions will emerge during the French EU Presidency.

The Austrian Minister also discussed the active bilateral dialogue between her country and Bulgaria, noting that Austria is the second most important investor in this country, with over 350 Austrian companies operating in Bulgaria. She also invited Minister Genchovska to pay a visit to Austria. DT/MY