Skopje, 13 August 2021 (MIA) – The Western Balkans is a region of strategic importance for NATO, said James Appathurai, NATO's Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, in a video address at the “Beyond Ohrid” conference commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. NATO, he said, will continue with political dialogue and practical cooperation with the countries in the region to support reform efforts and promote regional peace and security. On behalf of NATO, Appathurai congratulated the people of North Macedonia on celebrating ‘this key moment in your history’, calling the Ohrid Agreement a major political achievement that ensured safe future for the Macedonian democracy and paved the way for closer regional cooperation. North Macedonia’s NATO membership, he said, is major achievement for both the country and NATO as well since it shows the success of NATO’s open door policy and that commitment, in North Macedonia’s case, always produces results Former NATO representative Peter Feith said that dedication to reforms aimed at implementing the document contributed largely to the sustainability of the pretty ‘unique’ Ohrid Agreement. Speaking at the central event commemorating the Ohrid Agreement’s milestone, he said the treaty was incorporated in the preamble of the Constitution of North Macedonia. Implementation of the agreement, according to Feith, is nearing completion with the amendments to the law on languages. Talking about reconciliation, he said it is a process that required time. Feith said he could see there was readiness for tolerance and abandoning intolerance, transitional justice and patience towards better future of North Macedonia. The former NATO representative also commended and paid tribute to late president Boris Trajkovski for his leadership and bravery as well as his team, which back then also included President Stevo Pendarovski as his advisor.