Skopje, 12 February 2026 (MIA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Aleksandar Nikoloski, met Thursday with Nicole Varnes, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Skopje, and discussed the implementation of capital projects, with a special focus on the construction of the Bitola-Prilep, Kichevo-Gostivar (Strazha) and Tetovo-Gostivar highways, the Ministry of Transport reported.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that the United States remains a long-standing strategic partner and a strong supporter of Macedonia in the country’s reform processes, strengthening institutional capacities, the rule of law, and the fight against corruption.

“The strategic partnership between the two countries is a guarantee for ensuring stability in the country and the region, especially amid strong economic and geopolitical turbulence in different parts of the world. Economic relations were once again a focus of the talks, highlighting the strong trade ties between the two countries, which continue to grow and are of great importance for the business climate and investors,” reads the press release. 

Deputy Prime Minister Nikoloski underscored the government’s strong commitment to economic development through the implementation of major capital projects, with a special focus on regional connectivity and integration. He highlighted that the planned projects along the main transport corridors will contribute to accelerated economic and infrastructure development in the country and the region.

The meeting underlined U.S. support for sharing expertise in different sectors.

They stressed the potential to strengthen economic and trade ties and, reflecting the friendly relations between the countries, expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Photo: Ministry of Transport