Skopje, 6 December 2021 (MIA) – The United States expresses strong support for quick European integration of North Macedonia and we have been working with our European partners to make sure that that happens very quickly, Gabriel Escobar, US Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, said Monday at a joint press conference in Skopje alongside Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani. North Macedonia, he said, is part of Europe, culturally it is part of Europe as well as historically and economically and you should have a seat at the table. Escobar stated that the US administration will continue to support the country’s efforts to show flexibility in the EU integration process as well as to show continued reforms in making that a reality. He thanked for his country’s partnership with North Macedonia calling it also a friend and ally. We, said Escobar, share joint values that are the foundation of our strategy of shared values and I express gratitude to North Macedonia for the continued support and commitment in NATO. Addressing the press conference, FM Osmani thanked Escobar for paying his first visit to Skopje. “The United States remains our strategic partner and credible ally. We’re thankful for the clear and vocal support of the United States. In this regard, our strategic interests are 100 percent complementary with the US interests,” he stated. According to the top diplomat, the European perspective of the Western Balkans is the safest investment in the region. “Now is the time the EU to open negotiations. It will be a major confirmation for us to remain committed to democratic reforms and accelerate our European integration process. More importantly, it will encourage others, the EU’s credibility will be confirmed and processes for settling of differences and reconciliation in the region will be also encouraged. The Euro-Atlantic integration will be accelerated and the geostrategic orientation of our region will be reaffirmed,” said Osmani. He expressed gratitude for the commitment and focus of the United States to the Western Balkan region. “It is demonstrated by today’s visit by Mr. Escobar. But the Biden executive order is more important, which is a golden guarantee for the importance and inviolability of agreements based on peace, stability and the democratic development of the region, namely the Dayton Agreement in Bosnia and the Ohrid Framework agreement and the treaties with Bulgaria and Greece here,” the Minister noted. The United States, Osmani said, have played a key role in achieving long-term stability, democratization and prosperity in North Macedonia and across the region.