Washington, 27 February 2025 (MIA) - North Macedonia has had no better friend than the United States in terms of the international arena, former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State and former Ambassador to Skopje, Philip Reeker, told the Voice of America, adding that the U.S. has been engaged in the past and will be engaged in the future of North Macedonia, most importantly, through many administrations.

Commenting on Macedonian Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski's recent visit to Washington and his address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Reeker said he believes it's wonderful to see that PM Mickoski, in a relatively short period of time since he and his government took office, has established such good, solid relations with the United States, including, of course, with the new administration in Washington.  

According to Reeker, the two countries have excellent relations, as always, and the PM's engagement, whether in Washington or during his visits, is crucial for both sides of the Atlantic. 

He noted that he had met with Mickoski in Munich at the Security Conference, which has been an important opportunity for the Balkans, as well as for broader transatlantic issues. 

Asked if the new administration of President Donald Trump could help move the country's European integration forward or help in terms of new U.S. investments in North Macedonia, Reeker pointed out that U.S. investments are separate from the government.

"Obviously, what's important is creating an investment environment in North Macedonia that is attractive to U.S. investors, and there are programs of the U.S. government that can support and assist those efforts that were part of the assistance to North Macedonia and other countries in the region to help them revive economic development. Of course, EU membership has long been a political priority for the United States. That applies to Western Balkan countries. We moved very smartly and quickly towards NATO membership, which I believe was crucial. NATO membership, of course, is a very important aspect of what makes North Macedonia attractive to foreign investment. Security is central to economic development and prosperity," said Reeker.  

According to the former U.S. Ambassador to Skopje, good relations between the two countries are important, because the U.S. is a huge global power, the largest economy in the world, a founder of NATO.

"Transatlantic relations are a priority, and I believe that PM Mickovski and his team are doing an excellent job in maintaining and strengthening those relations. The goal of North Macedonia's accession to the European Union remains a priority," Reeker said.

Photo: MIA archive