Skopje, 29 November 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski met with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Skopje Wednesday afternoon, whereat the US support for the country's EU membership, its role as a NATO ally, and congratulations on the successful OSCE chairmanship were reaffirmed.

Kovachevski and Blinken reiterated the excellent relations between the two countries and discussed the ongoing support that the United States provides to North Macedonia on the path to EU membership and the implementation of necessary reforms, the government said in a press release.

“During the meeting, Prime Minister Kovachevski assessed that the two countries consistently nurture a productive political dialogue, which is significantly deepened through the strategic partnership between North Macedonia and the United States,” reads the press release.

Kovachevski and Blinken, as highlighted, expressed mutual satisfaction with the commencement of the Strategic Dialogue between North Macedonia and the US, expected to deepen friendly relations and improve mutual political, economic, and other forms of dialogue, along with educational and cultural ties between the two countries. 

“The United States highly regards the contribution of the Republic of North Macedonia as a NATO ally and, in the regional context, as a stabilizing factor in the Western Balkans. The US Secretary of State Blinken pointed out that the United States will continue to support North Macedonia in its future steps towards EU membership and expressed great respect for the courageous and statesmanlike decisions made by the government to achieve that goal,” reads the press release.

“The US Secretary of State Blinken commended North Macedonia’s successful OSCE chairmanship and the constructive approach in implementing the agenda and addressing the challenges faced by the Organization,” the government said in a press release.

Blinken is to attend an informal dinner ahead of the OSCE ministerial Council on Thursday. Blinken is leaving for the Middle East from Skopje.

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia