Skopje, 10 November 2022 (MIA) – Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska met Thursday with new United States Ambassador to North Macedonia, Angela Price Aggeler, at the Krivolak army field. Minister Petrovska stated that her first meeting with Ambassador Aggeler took place at Krivolak, because the development of the field is the best example of the mutual cooperation, the dedication to the development of defense relations, mutual development of the armed forces of both countries and the development of NATO interoperability. The Minister stated that North Macedonia and the United States have the most comprehensive and intensive defense cooperation, owing to the dedication and desire of both countries for mutual development. “Since 1996, the US has been supporting our development with USD 266 million, a fact which demonstrates the commitment of our strategic partner to the development of the army capacities and capabilities. Today, as a NATO member, these capacities and capabilities are also the Alliance’s capacities and serve our collective security,” said Petrovska. She added that Krivolak is one more capacity that is being mutually developed, noting that investments in Krivolak are investments in stronger allied armies and better interoperability. Petrovska added that for countries like North Macedonia and the US, which show a strong dedication to strategic dialogue and strategic partnership, the ambitions for a more intensive defense cooperation are even greater. Ambassador Aggeler stated that she is entirely familiar with the intensive defense cooperation between the two countries and that this cooperation will continue to be realized and developed in the future as well. Interlocutors also discussed the current security situation on the continent, the need to preserve peace, security and stability in the region, as well as the EU accession process. At Krivolak, Ambassador Aggeler had the chance to get acquainted with the new American-made armoured vehicles JLTV Oshkosh, which are a part of the process to modernize and equip the Army. The US has been supporting the process with a total of USD 106 million in 2022 through the defence cooperation programs. ad/ik/