Reeker: North Macedonia has very much shown its desire

The US policy for generations has been to see Europe whole, free and at peace, and that Europe very much includes the Balkans, the region that historically has faced many challenges, but we’ve seen, certainly even this year, great progress there, said Reeker, incoming Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

‘Our goals are aligned with the aspirations I believe of the peoples of the region. Other countries seek to grow their influence throughout the Western Balkans, including here in North Macedonia, The United States is a dedicated friend to all of these countries that expressed desire to join the European Union and work on the reforms necessary to follow that path. Many of the countries in the region have expressed their desire to become members of NATO – perhaps the most successful peaceful alliance in the history of the world,’ Reeker said.

And as we begin the process of celebrating the 70^th anniversary of NATO, he went further, we are very pleased to see that many of those countries making that progress if what’s they desire.

‘And North Macedonia has very much shown that to be their desire and made great efforts to do that and we are proud to be their friends and partner in that effort.

‘We now see a very clear road to North Macedonia becoming the 30^th NATO member,’ Reeker said with regard to the country’s progress towards the Alliance and the tremendous things accomplished through the Prespa Agreement.

North Macedonia is becoming a stable strategic partner of the United States and together we are focused on the security and development of the Balkans, PM Zaev said.

‘As partners sharing common strategic interests and within NATO our goal is fighting against terrorism, extremism, all threats to the region and beyond,’ Zaev said.

He highlighted the US regular, substantial support of North Macedonia over the years, especially the encouragement offered by the US top officials for resolving the name dispute with Greece, crowned with the Prespa Agreement.

‘It was vital for unlocking the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration processes, as well as for the region’s stability and cooperation. The upcoming accession of North Macedonia to NATO is of paramount importance for the security and safety of our country and the entire region, but also for creating conditions for economic benefits and implementing reforms,’ Zaev said.

Today Reeker had meetings with Deputy Prime Ministers for Economic and European Affairs, Koco Angjusev and Bujar Osmani respectively, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov. He also held talks with the leaders of the government’s junior coalition partner DUI and opposition VMRO-DPMNE Ali Ahmeti and Hristijan Mickoski.