Skopje, 8 November 2022 (MIA) – President Stevo Pendarovski received Tuesday the credentials of the new United States Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Price Aggeler, and welcomed her to the post. President Pendarovski said the fact this was not Ambassador’s Aggeler first diplomatic mission to Skopje and her excellent knowledge of the situation in the country represents a significant contribution to the further enrichment of bilateral relations. “North Macedonia has continuously dedicated specific attention to the development of friendly relations and bilateral cooperation with the United States, which we consider our great friends, a significant economic partner and sincere supporter amid the most difficult period of our independence. In fact, the continued enhancement of our relations is a foreign policy axiom that is a priority of all relevant political factors in North Macedonia,” said Pendarovski. He added that bilateral relations have been continually enhancing, as NATO allies, by sharing the common values of democracy, freedom and human rights, as well as commitments for international rule-based order. “In the context of the recent geopolitical challenges and the Russian military aggression in Ukraine, let me say that our firm friendship gains greater significance and represents a guarantee of stability and prosperity of my country and the Western Balkans as a whole,” noted Pendarovski. The President added that political dialogue between the two countries has continuously intensified at several levels, reaffirmed by this year’s start of the Strategic Dialogue as the first country of the Western Balkans to do so. “We see this dialogue as a joint interest in detailing our cooperation in all fields of mutual interest. We are prepared for comprehensive increase of the level of relations and even greater coordination and cooperation in the fields of economy, defense, security, investments, education, culture, science and environment. The large Macedonian diaspora in the U.S. is also giving added quality to relations, representing a bridge of friendship but also a serious potential for development of economic ties,” noted Pendarovski. He thanked the United States for its support to North Macedonia’s start of the EU accession negotiations, expressing assurance that reforms in key areas – rule of law and fight against high-level corruption, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency and functionality of institutions – should determine the further development of Macedonian democracy and ultimately, EU membership. “On this path, anachronous topics and discussions on identities and imposed historical truths represent a serious obstacle that has the potential to hold up our integration path but also keep the entire region in uncertainty, thus generating instability. As a matter of a fact, the initiated dialogue within the Summit for Democracy under the auspices of President Biden is the best indicator of what should be the goals that democratic states should aspire to in mutual relations. Therefore, I am certain that Washington’s support will continue in the coming period, with the expectation of a stronger involvement of the U.S. as guarantor of peace, stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans, in light of the consequences on the continent from the Russian aggression in Ukraine,” underlined Pendarovski. Aggeler said she was proud to represent the President and the American people as Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia. “I had the great privilege to serve here, in this beautiful country, which culture, people, languages and history I have grown fond of. Since my last time here, North Macedonia has faced numerous challenges and took tough decisions that have moved the country forward on the Euro-Atlantic integration path. This country has changed its name in order to join NATO as our 30th ally. It opened the EU accession negotiations by strengthening its position as a leader in building security and prosperity on the Western Balkans. Your coming OSCE Chairmanship in 2023 demonstrates the key role the country is playing for Europe’s future. The future is truly bright despite the fact that the country is facing old and new challenges,” said the U.S. Ambassador. Today I am here, he added, to promise that you will not face these challenges alone. “The United States of America, the Embassy and myself will do everything in our power to help the people of North Macedonia succeed in overcoming all those challenges. I give you my personal pledge that we will stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of this country as it realizes its goals for peace, prosperity, security and independence for its citizens,” said Aggeler. She pointed out that Europe is facing a threat never seen across generations, and North Macedonia is contributing to the continent’s security and stability as an active NATO ally. “We have been working together for more than 30 years in ensuring North Macedonia’s deserved place in the larger European community, by supporting the fundamental values of a prosperous democracy, through the observance of the rule of law, justice for all, economic growth and personal expression. As you continue to move forward, the United States will be here as partner, ally and friend, fostering relations that are becoming stronger, deeper and more productive,” underlined Ambassador Aggeler.