Skopje, 9 February 2022 (MIA) – Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani spoke Wednesday with U.S. Department of State Counselor Derek Cohllet over the phone, following the latter’s visit to Bulgaria and the new momentum in the Skopje-Sofia dialogue amid the undertaken steps in building mutual trust and overcoming bilateral challenges. FM Osmani thanked the United States for its continued support in the realization of North Macedonia’s strategic objectives, also highlighting the significant American role in the country’s prosperity and democratic achievements. Counselor Chollet reaffirmed U.S. clear and unequivocal support for the sooner start of the EU accession talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. Osmani and Chollet agreed that the European perspective and U.S. presence in the region are of exceptional importance for the stability and prosperity of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. Interlocutors also exchanged opinions on current developments in and around the Ukraine, noting that the strengthening of trans-Atlantic cooperation and common approach is of primary importance in overcoming security challenges. They expressed support to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of Ukraine’s borders, sending a joint call for de-escalation of tensions through dialogue and diplomacy, in the interest of European security. Osmani and Chollet also tackled bilateral relations and the importance of their further enhancement, along with the opportunities for strengthening of the strategic partnership and trans-Atlantic ties, reads the press release.