Skopje, 20 July 2026 (MIA) - Justice Minister Jeton Shasivari met Monday with U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nicole Varnes, reaffirming the strong and continued cooperation between the Justice Ministry and the United States, as strategic partners in the implementation of judicial reforms.

In a press release, the Justice Ministry said the meeting discussed the Ministry’s key priorities, with an emphasis on judicial reforms, the rule of law, digitization in the judiciary, legislative agenda, and the fight against corruption. Justice Ministry Shasivari requested that the exchange of experience and expert aid from the U.S. in criminal legislation be made possible in the coming period. 

Shasivari expressed gratitude for the continued support provided by the U.S. to the Ministry and the country’s reforms, stressing that it plays a significant role in strengthening institutional capacities, especially in the fight against transnational organized crime, and in the promotion of cooperation between domestic institutions and international partners.

Talks also focused on criminal legislation reforms, which remain one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities, it said. In that context, the meeting noted the beginning of realization of the project “Support for the implementation of the National Drugs Strategy of the Republic of North Macedonia”, financed by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). 

The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to further enhancement of the partnership through new joint projects, expert support, and exchange of experiences in areas of mutual interest.

“The Justice Ministry remains firmly committed to the implementation of reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and fulfilling European standards, in the interest of the citizens and the country’s European integration,” the Ministry said.

Photo: Justice Ministry