Skopje, 28 February 2023 (MIA) - Projects agreed within the Strategic Dialogue between North Macedonia and the United States are already part of the government's program on strengthening democratic institutions, progress in terms of the rule of law and the fight against corruption, Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani told a meeting with US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman in Washington. 

Noting the 15-year anniversary since the establishment of the strategic partnership with the United States, the interlocutors reaffirmed their satisfaction with the successful Strategic Dialogue launched last year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release. 

Osmani and Sherman also exchanged views on priority issues in terms of OSCE and other topics of importance in the Organization's region.  

During his two-day visit to Washington, Osmani also met with Counselor of the United States Department of State, Derek Chollet, discussing North Macedonia's OSCE Chairmanship, as well as that of the US-Adriatic Charter, and exchanging views on regional dynamics and the European integration processes of the Western Balkan countries. 

"We are grateful for the continuous support from the United States for North Macedonia's European integration process. Such a step represents a significant contribution to the preservation of stability and progress of the entire region, particularly in the context of current security challenges. We remain committed to fulfilling the obligation for constitutional changes in the country in order to ensure a smooth flow of the process of negotiations with the EU," said Osmani. 

Participants in the meeting highlighted support to Ukraine and its people, as well as commitment to preserving democratic values, strongly condemning Russian military aggression. 

FM Osmani also met with USAID Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, Erin McKee, and with the first Chief Development Officer (CDO) at U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Andrew Herscowitz.

Talks with McKee focused on the US continued political and economic support in key areas of reform, including education, justice, public administration and economy, as well as support through USAID programs that have led to the strengthening of democratic processes, institutions and civil society.

The meeting with Herscowitz focused on investments in development projects. Osmani referred to possibilities of cooperation in development projects that are part of the Action Plan of the Strategic Dialogue with the United States. 

As part of his visit to Washington, Osmani will address on Tuesday the US Helsinki Commission on the House of Representatives, on the topic of North Macedonia's 2023 OSCE Chairmanship.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs