Skopje, 13 September 2021 (MIA) — Prime Minister Zoran Zaev hosted Monday U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia Kate Byrnes, who on the behalf of the American people offered her condolences over the Tetovo modular covid hospital fire. According to the government's press release, PM Zaev told Ambassador Byrnes a comprehensive investigation into the causes of the fire was underway, involving local and German forensics experts. During their meeting, PM Zaev and Ambassador Byrnes also recalled that 26 years ago to this day the two countries established diplomatic relations at the level of embassies. They agreed that North Macedonia and the United States would continue to deepen mutual relations and cooperation, as well as advocacy and promotion of common values ​​within NATO. Ambassador Byrnes thanked North Macedonia for sheltering Afghan civilians, stressing that the gesture was a strong message in the spirit of an ally and a NATO member country. The meeting also focused on economic cooperation between the two countries. The interest of U.S. businesses to be part of the country’s transition from fossil to renewable energy sources was welcomed. Praised at the meeting was the government's commitment to tackling corruption, with the campaign to combat this phenomenon aiming not only to change popular perception but also to systematically eliminate the causes of corrupt behavior, the release adds. In addition, Zaev told Byrnes preparations for the local elections as well as census activities were progressing at an expected pace. mr/