Skopje, 6 December 2021 (MIA) – Deputy PM for European Affairs Nikola Dimitrov met on Monday with US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Gabriel Escobar and discussed the European perspective of North Macedonia and the region as a mutual strategic goal and current affairs over the process, the Secretariat for European Affairs said in a press release. According to the release, Deputy PM Dimitrov expressed gratitude over the support the US has offered for North Macedonia’s EU integration, as well as its partnership and allyship in managing global challenges, as an expression of shared values. “We share the same vision for the future of North Macedonia and the region, so the support of the US as our partner and ally has always helped processes advance. The start of accession talks with North Macedonia will close the chapter on reaching a shared strategic goal and creating a new momentum for the European future of the region, set to guarantee stability and democracy. By overcoming current challenges, we’ll be able to focus on promoting shared values and enhancing partnership,” Dimitrov stressed. Escobar, the press release read, underlined North Macedonia’s commitment as a NATO ally in ensuring regional security and promoting Euro-Atlantic values, highlighting the importance of the Prespa Agreement as a pillar for peace and security in the region. “Demonstrated leadership and efforts in the reform process must be validated by advancement in the EU integration of the country expressed through the adoption of the negotiating framework and holding the first intergovernmental conference for starting talks,” Escobar noted.