President Pendarovski meets US Secretary of State Pompeo in Ohrid

“The United States has been our strategic partner since our independence and U.S. support has been key to defense reform and the transformation of our army towards meeting the criteria for NATO membership,” Pendarovski said. “The U.S. has helped us in strengthening institutions, the rule of law, judiciary reform, strengthening the civil sector and media, as well as securing a favorable business climate for trade between the two countries.”

Pendarovski extended gratitude for the United States unwavering support even in the face of difficult questions on internal stability, as well as reaching compromise on the decades-long name dispute, in the spirit of good neighborly relations and regional cooperation.

“North Macedonia will continue close cooperation with the U.S. I believe increased U.S. support is necessary in the upcoming period when North Macedonia is to become the 30th NATO member and start accession negotiations to join the EU,” Pendarovski said.

U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo extended gratitude for the warm welcome in North Macedonia, the third stop in his tour as part of which he already visited Italy and Montenegro, and he is set to travel to Greece after Ohrid, the President’s Office said in a press release.

Pompeo reaffirmed that America’s support in deepening the friendship between the two countries would continue in future, which is important not only for North Macedonia, but also for the stability and security of the entire region.