Dimitrov and Reeker meet in Washington DC: Looking forward to you joining NATO, reforms imperative
Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, during his first day of the working visit to Washington DC, met with Philip Reeker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and US Congressman Brendan Boyle.
The talks were focused on the pace of the reform process as a prerequisite for a society based on democratic values, Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
“Looking forward to North Macedonia joining NATO as its 30th Ally. Ongoing reforms, including the future of the Special Prosecutor’s Office are imperative. SPO’s capabilities and independence must be preserved to ensure independent justice and accountability for corruption,” Reeker told Dimitrov.
Reeker, referring to the situation in the Balkan region, pointed out that it is necessary for the countries to transform internally and build capacity for a system based on justice and values.
The meeting with Congressman Boyle was in the same line, who pointed out that Prespa Agreement serves as an appropriate example of resolving conflict situations.
Dimitrov expressed gratitude for the support of the US Congress, and pointing out that US as our proven partners will ratify the North Macedonia’s NATO accession protocol without delay.
Additionally, Dimitrov and his Albanian counterpart Gent Cakaj, who is in Washington DC as well, signed agreement on establishment of cultural and information centres in North Macedonia and Albania.
Congratulating Albania’s tenth anniversary in the Alliance, Dimitrov reiterated that the region can only be prosperous if all its countries are successful stories.
Dimitrov on the first day of his visit to Washington DC gave an interview to NATO SHAPE, and referred to NATO from North Macedonia’s point of view as 30th NATO member. He also gave interview to Foreign Policy magazine.
On Wednesday, Dimitrov is to attend NATO Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg’s address.
Moreover, Dimitrov and his Greek counterpart Giorgos Katrougalos will participate in the “NATO Engages: The Alliance at 70” conference co-organised by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, the Atlantic Council and the Munich Security Conference, followed by a joint interview with Katrougalos, as well as an interview with the Voice of America.
The jubilee will be celebrated by a reception in Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, where signing of the North Atlantic Treaty that established NATO occurred on April 4, 1949. Dimitrov is to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and will hold other bilateral meetings.