Washington DC, 1 June 2022 (MIA) — A government delegation on a working visit to Washington DC to participate in the Strategic Dialogue between North Macedonia and the United States had several meetings with senior government officials and prominent civil society representatives, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The delegation, consisting of Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska, Economy Minister Kreshnik Bekteshi and Culture Minister Bisera Kostadinovska Stojchevska, had separate meetings with representatives of the National Democratic Institute, led by president Derek Mitchell, and of the International Republican Institute, led by president Daniel Twining. According to the press release, meeting participants expressed satisfaction with the launch of the Strategic Dialogue between North Macedonia and the United States, saying it was a significant step forward in bilateral ties and strengthening the strategic partnership. “At the same time, the work activities of NDI and IRI in North Macedonia were welcomed, emphasizing the country's progress in implementing reforms crucial for improving democratic processes and institutional transparency,” the release says. Government officials thanked the NDI and IRI on the long-term cooperation and support in building the country’s democratic capacities. They also discussed future cooperation toward further developing North Macedonia’s democracy. "In this regard, they asked the NDI and IRI to increase their presence in the country and support key reform processes as well as the non-governmental sector," the release adds. mr/