Skopje, 27 June 2024 (MIA) - Minister of Environment and Physical Planning and First Deputy Prime Minister Izet Mexhiti met Thursday with United States Ambassador Angela Aggeler during which he noted that the Euro-Atlantic direction and full-fledged EU membership remain a top priority. Mexhiti’s party, the Democratic Movement, said in a press release.

According to the press release, at the meeting the Minister assured the Ambassador that as a ruling majority, the Government remains fully committed to enhancing bilateral relations with the country’s largest strategic partner and strong ally – the United States of America.

“As First Deputy Prime Minister, Mexhiti voiced sincere gratitude for the support and unreserved assistance that the US has continually provided for reforms in the institutions and the strengthening of the democratic capacities and the democratic atmosphere in our country. They jointly affirmed the position that results are required in the fight against political corruption which is deeply embedded in many institutions. The delivery of justice must be non-selective and in line with the highest standards of the rule of law. For that to happen, reforms in the judiciary are necessary and the Government is determined to fight this battle until the end,” the press release said. 

The two sides, according to the press release, agreed that the issue of the political legitimacy of the new Government has been closed. The period ahead will be used to carry out a successful transition and consolidation of state institutions, the support of international partners, above all the support of the US, is exceptionally important in this process, the party said.

“As Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Mexhiti informed Ambassador Aggeler about the key priorities of the Ministry aimed at an uncompromising fight against polluters, in line with the highest European standards and within the frameworks of the plan for clean air. He voiced his conviction that we will jointly commit to building renewable sources of energy that will provide higher environmental standards and that as a young country, we need good experiences, as well as sharing and exchange of knowledge, noting that the support and assistance provided by the US in the country’s efforts to improve its environmental policies is more than welcome,” the press release said.

Mexhiti reiterated that the country highly values US investments, both on an economic plan and those aimed at raising the capacity of the institutions and social democratic development.

“We remain a secure guarantor that the Republic of North Macedonia will maintain its strategic course,” Mexhiti said, according to the Democratic Movement’s press release. 

Photo: Democratic Movement