Bulgaria was the first country to recognize the independence of North Macedonia.

Omissions

• The country was recognized under its former constitutional name 'Republic of Macedonia', not 'North Macedonia', which was adopted only in February 2019 following the Prespa Agreement with Greece.

Sources

• PrimaryMinistry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of BulgariaOn January 15, 1992, Bulgaria was the first country to officially recognise the Republic of Macedonia.
• SecondaryBulgarian News Agency (BTA)Thirty-four years ago, on January 15, 1992, Bulgaria became the first country to recognize the independence of what was then the Republic of Macedonia.
• SecondaryBulgarian National Radio (BNR)On January 15, 1992, Bulgaria was the first in the world to recognize the independence of the state called the Republic of Macedonia back then.