Skopje, 1 October 2024 (MIA) -- Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski met with Brandon Yoder, US department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, on the sidelines of a ministerial conference of the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS taking place in Washington, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said in a press release.

Mucunski and Yoder discussed the fight against corruption as well as the US support for the country's rule of law, which is one of the countries' Strategic Dialogue priorities. The foreign minister also expressed his gratitude for the continued assistance in the country's democratic processes, the release says.

"We highly appreciate the US administration's decision to increase funding for international narcotics control and law enforcement, particularly focusing on civil security and law enforcement development programs," FM Mucunski is quoted as saying in the release.

At the same time, the MFAFT notes, meeting participants highlighted the need of speeding up the country's European integration process.

"The USA's strong support for our EU membership was reaffirmed. Our strong alliance within NATO was also welcomed as was our support for Ukraine and our continued joint efforts in dealing with global terrorism and modern security challenges," the release says. mr/