Skopje, 15 December 2025 (MIA) - The United States and North Macedonia are united by so many things, including our shared belief that transparent institutions and strong economies are the foundation of successful democracies, lasting prosperity and secure communities. What a pleasure to be here today, not only to recognize but to truly celebrate the cooperation between the United States and North Macedonia to strengthen institutions, promote economic growth and deliver results to the citizens of both countries, U.S. Ambassador Angela Aggeler told Monday's event organized by the Ministry of Finance on strengthening institutional capacities, marking the cooperation between the two countries. 

"This very special program between the U.S. Treasury and the Government of North Macedonia, spacifically the Ministry of Finance, began in 2022, though our collaboration goes back much, much further. Today the program has become the Treasury Department's second largest of its kind in the world. Efforts focus on five critical areas: revenue administration, debt and infrastructure finance, banking and financial services, budget accountability and the fight against economic crimes," Aggeler pointed out. 

She stressed that the success of the partnership is a testament to the shared commitment and the open collaborative environment fostered by the Ministry of Finance. 

"Madam Minister, the program slowed a bit in the last couple of years, as we assessed on both sides of the Atlantic the impact and the real potential of this partnership. I want to personally thank you for your unwavering commitment and support to its full resumption. Because of you we are building stronger institutions, instilling smarter fiscal management, and creating clearer, fairer rules that give businesses and investors the confidence to expend their sites," said Aggeler. 

The U.S. Ambassador noted that reforms will help diversify financing, expend capital markets, and reduce reliance on external debt.  

"By working together we truly are making our countries safer, stronger and more prosperous. And we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come," Aggeler said.  

Previously, Minister of Finance Gordana Dimitrieska Kochoska said partnership with the United States is not just support, but a longstanding process of strengthening institutions, boosting expertise and creating modern systems that ensure predictable, accountable and transparent public finances. 

Commenting on the cooperation with the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Technical Assistance (OTA), Dimitrieska Kochoska pointed out that the cooperation with the U.S. Treasury has deep roots, noting that the country's budget planning system was originally developed with technical assistance from the United States in the period between 2004 and 2008 and represents the foundation for today's modern public finance management. 

Photo: MIA