Macedonia expects Bulgaria to keep on being a strong supporter of its Euro-Atlantic integration, Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki said at a meeting with the new Bulgarian ambassador, Ivan Velikov Petkov, who handed over the copies of his credentials.

At the meeting, FM Poposki voiced his hopes that the favorable bilateral ties would be bolstered with joint engagement and commitment in the interest of the two countries and nations, MoFA says in a press release.

"Preparedness was expressed to intensify bilateral relations and cooperation in the spirit of friendship, neighborly ties and mutual understanding. Interlocutors underscored the need of advancing cooperation, especially with respect to economy, infrastructure, energy, trade exchange and cross-border cooperation," reads the press release.

On his part, ambassador Petkov reiterated Bulgaria's determination to build excellent relations with Macedonia and to support the country in meeting its strategic goals.