Skopje, 2 June 2022 (MIA) — The first part of the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and North Macedonia ended Thursday in Washington DC, where several sessions were held on areas of future cooperation between the two countries. After opening speeches by the heads of delegations, Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani and Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs at the US Department of State Karen Donfried, panel discussions were held on regional initiatives, citizens' connectivity, security and defense, as well as energy and environment. According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Osmani and the Ministers of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska, of Economy Kreshnik Bekteshi and of Culture Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska all took part in the discussions. The dialogue reviewed the country's situation and progress so far as well as the support the United States has provided in all areas of mutual interest. A number of conclusions were agreed on and they will become part of a joint statement to be adopted between North Macedonia and the United States. The second part of the dialogue will include panels on rule of law and good governance, trade and investment as well as an overall review of current bilateral cooperation. In addition to the four ministers attending the dialogue in person in Washington DC, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of good governance policies Slavica Grkovska will attend via video link. According to the MFA, the Strategic Dialogue between the US and North Macedonia raises the strategic partnership between the two countries to a higher level and opens a new chapter in bilateral relations by precisely defining areas of cooperation in the near future. mr/