Skopje, 21 September 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and Deputy PM for European Affairs Bojan Marichikj met Wednesday in New York with US Deputy Assistant Secretary and Special Representative to the Western Balkans, Gabriel Escobar, discussing current issues significant for the strategic partnership between the two countries, as well as developments in a regional and geopolitical context.

Kovachevski and Escobar highlighted the sincere friendship between the two countries since North Macedonia's independence, reflected through the active cooperation that has turned into a strategic partnership, and results in the fields of democracy, economy and integration, the Government said in a press release.

The United States values North Macedonia's participation in peacekeeping missions, responsible partnership within NATO and the country's contribution to the stability of the Western Balkans and Europe in general.
 
North Macedonia is perceived as credible partner of the United States and it is therefore expected that all political stakeholders in the country take into consideration the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an efficient EU accession process, strongly supported by Washington.

Kovachevski thanked Escobar for U.S. enormous and continued support in the realization of North Macedonia's strategic objectives over the past three decades, as well as his personal engagement amid this important period of ensuring the country's European future.

"U.S. support is also of enormous importance for a better life of Macedonian citizens, the prosperity and stability of the country and the entire region. It is necessary that we pass one more statehood decision that will ensure our Euro-integration. The Government and I personally are fully committed to this goal," said Kovachevski.

Discussions also focused on implementation of reforms, with a focus on the rule of law and fight against crime and corruption, and the importance of the U.S. support in this regard, reads the press release.

Photo: Government