North Macedonia’s President Thanks Bulgaria for Swift Support After Kocani Fire

Sofia, The Gulf Observer: North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bulgarian President Rumen Radev for the immediate assistance Bulgaria provided following the tragic fire in Kocani last month. Speaking to reporters during her visit to Sofia, Siljanovska-Davkova emphasized that President Radev was the first world leader to contact her with an offer of full support on the morning of the disaster.

Describing the gesture as “deeply human,” President Siljanovska-Davkova said moments of crisis offer powerful reminders of shared humanity. “In such a terrible world, to be faced with an influx of solidarity and humanism changes how we view the problems between us,” she stated. “No politician will forget this, because citizens on both sides remembered it.”

During her visit, she toured the hospital where injured victims are being treated and met with their families, Bulgarian medical staff, and Macedonian doctors currently working in Bulgaria. She praised the professionalism of Bulgarian healthcare workers and highlighted the quality of medical education in the country.

In a bilateral meeting with President Radev, the two leaders also discussed the broader political relationship between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, focusing on the need for continued dialogue and mutual understanding. While avoiding specifics on sensitive issues, Siljanovska-Davkova said both sides agreed on the importance of frequent engagement at all levels—from heads of state to students and journalists. “Compromise is possible,” she noted, expressing optimism for progress on outstanding matters.

The North Macedonian president also participated in the Aqaba Process international forum, which addressed pressing security challenges in the Balkans, including terrorism, illegal migration, and online radicalization. She emphasized the need for regional cooperation and urged state institutions to catch up with the evolving nature of digital threats.

“The region must act proactively,” Siljanovska-Davkova asserted, highlighting the importance of engaging youth in prevention efforts and counter-extremism initiatives. She concluded by reiterating that even in tragedy, there are opportunities for nations to come together in solidarity and shared purpose.