Skopje, 18 July 2024 (MIA) – The excellent cooperation between Macedonia and the United States in the field of education will continue in the future. The interest is mutual and both countries will continue to create educational and scientific-research opportunities for their citizens through existing agreements and cooperation protocols, and will consider new initiatives for exchange of positive educational and scientific experiences, discussed Minister of Education and Science Vesna Janevska and United States Ambassador Angela Aggeler on Thursday.

Both sides emphasized the importance but also the satisfaction from the development of the strategic partnership, which is of importance to both the Macedonian and American people, the Ministry of Education and Science said in a press release.

Minister Janevska briefed Ambassador Aggeler on the current situation in the Ministry and overall educational system in the country, and presented a portion of the activities within the frameworks of the new Government for improving the quality of the national education system, adding that changes will encompass all educational segments and levels.

Janevska informed that a Declaration on national education is being drafted, which will be presented to all political entities in order to reach consensus on long-term policies, to which the Ambassador expressed her support. The Minister also said that the exchange programs with the United States are of utmost importance for Macedonia, especially the Fulbright scholarship and YES program for high school students who have the opportunity to spend one academic year at an American college.

Ambassador Aggeler expressed satisfaction with the bilateral relations and noted that the United States will continue to support the Government's efforts to improve young people's education.

Interlocutors also discussed the excellent cooperation between institutions and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Office, especially through joint projects for interethnic integration in education and media literacy, as well as cooperation with the Peace Corps whose volunteers help improve the quality of English classes in Macedonian schools.

The first cooperation agreement in the field of education and technology between Macedonia and the United States was signed in 1995, the press release adds.

Photo: Ministry of Education and Science