Skopje, 17 January 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia's Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski hosted Monday a meeting with the US Ambassador, Kate Marie Byrnes.

Byrnes congratulated Kovachevski on taking office as prime minister, wishing him a successful work in implementing the new government’s program goals, among which the cooperation with the US as a strategic partner to North Macedonia is one of the top priorities of the country’s international policy, the government said in a press release.

PM Kovachevski and Ambassador Byrnes spoke about the decision to continue the bilateral economic support by putting a special focus on motivating projects and investments which will enable permanent, sustainable energy independence for North Macedonia.

“It was emphasized at the meeting that North Macedonia and the region will remain an important geo-strategic interest to Washington, so it’s of key importance for the US to help unblock the country’s European integrations process and holding the first intergovernmental conference with Brussels, as well as opening the first chapters in the process of EU membership,” said the press release.

During the meeting with Byrnes, Kovachevski said that the announced official visit by his Bulgarian counterpart Kiril Petkov and the members of his government, due on January 18, is a good message, announcing a serious step forward in the open issues between the two countries, and finding acceptable solutions for either party.

Ambassador Byrnes pointed out that the relations between North Macedonia and Bulgaria as close neighbors and NATO members are of utmost importance, with the emphasis being on finding a quick solution to the key issues that will enable a continuity for North Macedonia’s EU membership. dk/ba/