Skopje, 6 July 2022 (MIA) - As the United States and North Macedonia will be facing new challenges, we will address them together as allies, partners and friends, US Ambassador Kate Mary Byrnes said Wednesday at a ceremony at the US embassy marking the 246th anniversary of the independence of the United States. As North Macedonia, she added, as you will keep on climbing the hill towards safer EU integrated future, you will have to face difficult challenges as well. "The dilemmas they create are unique for your country and your journey, but in facing them your are not alone. The Unites States is with you." The Ambassador recalled that in the past three years North Macedonia had advanced from a country aspiring to join NATO to becoming an equal and capable ally. According to her, North Macedonia's army has modernized and improved its preparedness and capacity to respond. Byrnes said that North Macedonia keeps demonstrating its dedication to the strategic partnership and support of democratic principles noting they are the same ideals that Russia is trying to deny to the citizens of Ukraine. North Macedonia, she said, is a safe friend we trust regardless of whether it stands firmly in supporting the sanctions against Russia or helping people evacuated from Afghanistan or taking part in the Democracy Summit organized by President Biden. The Ambassador concluded that the countries have been cooperating to protect the environment, in culture and its economic opportunities.