Schweitzer-Bluhm: We look forward to welcoming you in NATO and start the EU netogiations

Addressing the present guests, including President Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, government officials, opposition VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski, representatives of the diplomatic corps, Schweitzer-Bluhm said that the country as a NATO member will permanently strengthen its relations with the United States and its NATO allies.

“We will not be just friends and partners, we will be allies, connected through a shared commitment to peace, security and prosperity. There is no stronger connection than this. We saw this link in action last month during “Decisive Strike” military exercise in Krivolak, where soldiers from our two countries have created common procedures for communication and operations, preparing to join together to respond to future threats,” Schweitzer-Bluhm noted.

She added that ties between the US and North Macedonia are also being realized in business, culture, education and the social plan.

“The citizens of our two countries love the same things. As our founders have said in the United States Declaration of Independence – all people have the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. In order to achieve this, there is a need for an authority that will be in line with the needs and concerns of the citizens,” she added.

“These three years were a period of dynamic changes in North Macedonia, positive changes that firmly set you on the path of stability and prosperity. However, democracy is never finished and there is always more to do for the citizens,” she said.

Schweitzer-Bluhm said she was proud that the US Embassy supported the country’s efforts to strengthen democracy – not only writing good laws, but also implementing them, building a modern economy and making the country and the region safer.

“We will continue to work with you, supporting your efforts on the road to achieving a “more perfect Union” – I quote a phrase from the US Constitution. You live in a period of great opportunities and great potential, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation and helping you achieve the ambitions of your citizens,” Schweitzer-Bluhm said.