Skopje, 30 August 2022 (MIA) – North Macedonia will receive an additional USD 10.3 million from the United States to develop the democratic society and competitive economy through the amendment to the Development Partnership Grant Agreement with the United States. The amendment was signed by Minister of Finance Fatmir Besimi and USAID director in North Macedonia Jeri Dible, accompanied by US Ambassador to North Macedonia, Kate Marie Byrnes. As Besimi pointed out, with this amendment, the realization of the Agreement is currently valued at USD 22.1 million out of the planned 56.6 million. The Minister said that the support given by the US to the country in these times of crisis, worsened with the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is of great significance. Taking measures and activities to build sustainable and resilient economy is of “crucial importance”. “Euro-Atlantic integration has been our country’s strategic effort since its formation. The commitment to this goal can be seen through our long, yet relentless path that resulted in our NATO membership in 2020, as well as the beginning of accession negotiations with the EU this year. Without a doubt, our friend, the United States, was a constant and dedicated partner in this process. This is also confirmed with today’s signing of the amendment to the five-year Development Partnership Grant Agreement. With this document, through which the US is giving us additional aid valued at USD 10.3 million, the development of the democratic society and competitive economy is supported as values that we base our society on,” Besimi said. The amendment “increases the support for activities that enable the construction of a more sustainable society”. The Minister reiterated that the agreement supports systemic goals: strengthened economic competitiveness, increased productivity, higher integration of European-Atlantic and regional markets, strengthened security and safety, increased contribution of young people in society, strengthened economic opportunities, supporting the fight against corruption, increasing accountability in the public sector and the general culture of accountability in the citizens. “Concrete measures will be implemented in this direction that will contribute to the construction of a democratic, competitive state,” Besimi underlined. In his address, he also said that this country has received significant financial help by the US Government through USAID, amounting to around USD 840 million since 1993. Jeri Dible, USAID director, said that the joint goals from the agreement are in three key areas: improved economic competitiveness, increased youth contributions to society and reduced corruption. “Both sides are committed to working together and implementing the initiatives that benefit the country,” Dible said. dk/ba/