Unprecedented tension shook diplomatic relations between Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia after a series of sharp verbal attacks from high-ranking Macedonian political representatives. The Bulgarian ambassador in Skopje was officially summoned to the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to the use of the term "North Macedonian" in relation to Prime Minister Christian Mickoski.
During the meeting, the diplomatic representative of Bulgaria categorically expressed his bewilderment and concern regarding systematic manifestations of disrespect from the official Macedonian authorities. The Bulgarian ambassador emphasized that the behavior of the political elite in Skopje demonstrates a lasting pattern of deliberate hostility towards the Bulgarian state.
Particularly drastic was the case of direct insults directed by Christian Mickoski towards the Bulgarian Foreign Minister, which were deemed extremely unacceptable and inconsistent with the elementary norms of diplomatic protocol. The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs qualified such statements as dangerous and undermining the fragile mutual trust between the two neighboring countries.
Additional tension is created by the paradoxical situation in which Bulgaria continues to provide gratuitous assistance to North Macedonia - including firefighting units during forest fires in the Kriva Palanka area, while Macedonian political representatives continue to use hostile rhetoric.
The official position of the Bulgarian side is a categorical condemnation of such communicative practices that cast doubt on the sincerity of the commitments made in the 2017 Friendship Treaty. The leadership in Sofia emphasizes that such language of hatred is incompatible with Skopje's European integration aspirations.
The Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs clearly stated that it will not tolerate further attempts to destabilize bilateral relations. The position is that the political leadership of North Macedonia must demonstrate a real will for constructive dialogue and respect for diplomatic norms.