Skopje, 30 August 2022 (MIA) - US Ambassador Kate Byrnes on Tuesday urged North Macedonia to continue pursuing reforms even when they are causing certain political division. According to her, one of the biggest challenges North Macedonia is facing is corruption as it undermines good governance and sabotaging economic competitiveness. Since the declaration of independence in 1991, the United States has supported the country's goal to become a democratic society, based on rule of law and equal opportunities, Ambassador Byrnes said warning it could be a challenge because accountability and transparency are missing. Government officials, Byrnes noted, must respond to the challenges and meet the expectations of the public and the EU membership standards. A strong, democratic and inclusive North Macedonia is the backbone of prosperity in the Western Balkans, she said in her address at the signing ceremony of an amendment to the Development Partnership Grant Agreement at the Finance Ministry. Half of USAID's support through the Development Partnership Grant Agreement is focused on the fight against corruption, said Byrnes. North Macedonia, she concluded, could become more prosperous, well governed and more resilient country, which is why the US will keep providing support. Byrnes stressed that the amendment signed today opens a new chapter in the bilateral relations between the two countries. Earlier, Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi and USAID director in North Macedonia Jeri Dible signed an amendment to the Development Partnership Grant Agreement with the United States in amount of additional $10,3 million in support for democratic society and competitive economy.