Washington, 27 April 2022 (MIA) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in a phone conversation discussed intensifying support for both North Macedonia and Albania on their EU accession paths, according to MIA's Washington correspondent. According to Spokesperson for the United States Department of State Ned Price, Secretary Blinken spoke with Foreign Minister Le Drian to congratulate the French people on their successful election on April 24 and to welcome continued close cooperation and strong ties with President Macron. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed providing more security assistance to Ukraine’s armed forces as they resist the Russian government’s brutal and unprovoked invasion and additional measures to hold President Putin and his regime accountable, Price said. France holds the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union until June 30. mr/