Washington, 12 May 2023 (MIA) – The Memorandum of Understanding signed recently in Washington by Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and United States Special Envoy and Coordinator for the State Department’s Global Engagement Center, James Rubin, which outlines the cooperation between the two countries against manipulation and disinformation is a very significant, strategic document. The focus is on the defense of North Macedonia and the U.S., as NATO allies, former U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia and Assistant Secretary Philip Reeker told the Voice of America.

“We are proud to have North Macedonia as the 30th member of NATO. Secretary Blinken underlined this at the meeting with Prime Minister Kovachevski. One aspect of defense is that cybersecurity is the protection from disinformation. We live in an era of technology which makes it very difficult to get the truth, the facts. This is something that NATO takes very seriously. All countries in the region face some of the same challenges. We are very aware of the disinformation published by Putin and Russia. I think it is great that Special Envoy James Rubin had the chance to visit the region, including North Macedonia, in April and hold meetings with officials. And the Prime Minister’s visit to Washington was an excellent opportunity to sign one of these agreements, which will only allow our two governments to work together to tackle the challenge of disinformation in the era of modern media,” said Reeker.

Asked if he is concerned by Russia’s efforts to spread disinformation and undermine democracy and national security, especially in North Macedonia, Reeker said that the effects of Moscow’s attempts to create disinformation, but also instability, are visible.

“This is a part of the Russian projects for destabilization. A part of being a NATO ally is working together and trying to tackle these aspects. NATO is a defensive Alliance, and it is focused on protecting its member states from these types of destructive elements,” said Reeker.

On how the United States could help North Macedonia deal with Russian influence and the spread of disinformation, Reeker said this is the work of Special Envoy Rubin, who coordinates the Global Engagement Center at the U.S. Department of State.

“Together we can assess efforts to help in the fight against disinformation. To help the media have the facts and avoid being convinced of the opposite through social media or other efforts from Vladimir Putin’s Russia or others who want to harm the region,” said Reeker.

According to Reeker, North Macedonia should continue its EU path and take the necessary steps as it did with its NATO membership.

“I think it’s great that Skopje began accession negotiations with Brussels. Despite the fact that the U.S. is not a part of the EU, of course, we’ve been supporting North Macedonia’s EU membership for a long time. North Macedonia has implemented big reforms to continue down that path, just as it did with its NATO membership. I was very proud when we could finally see North Macedonia as the 30th NATO member in 2020,” said Philip Reeker.

Photo: MIA Archive