US Ambassador Byrnes: We want to continue to contribute to your positive future
In a video address, the newly appointed United States Ambassador Kate Byrnes to Skopje said that she’s honored to represent the U.S. and work on strengthening bilateral ties, and North Macedonia’s NATO and EU integration.
“For 26 years, I have worked as a U.S. diplomat to promote security and prosperity, respect for human rights and diversity, the rule of law, and open markets. I am excited to continue this work in North Macedonia,” said Ambassador Byrnes.
“The United States is proud of its strong friendship with the people of North Macedonia. We value the courage and professionalism of your soldiers, and we look forward to welcoming you as NATO’s 30th member.
“North Macedonia is now on its chosen path to NATO and the European Union. The team at U.S. Embassy Skopje and I will work to help North Macedonia on this path and to generate new opportunities for prosperity through our cooperation and exchange programs, Peace Corps, and our USAID initiatives.
“We want to continue to contribute to your positive future,” Byrnes adds.
In the video message, the U.S. Ambassador’s husband Scott Gage says they’re looking forward to visiting the country’s famous landmarks and learning about its rich and diverse cultural history.
“From the Old Bazaar to Matka Canyon, the Painted Mosque in Tetovo to Lake Ohrid and beyond, we’re excited to experience all that your country has to offer,” Byrnes continues.
“We look forward to taking these pathways together,” says Byrnes.
Byrnes, a career diplomat, was most recently Deputy Ambassador in Athens, Greece, after serving as US representative to OSCE in Vienna, Austria.
Previously, she held positions at the Department of State Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs; the office of the Under Secretary of State for Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy; and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. She also served as Public Affairs Advisor at the U.S. Mission to NATO in Brussels, Belgium, from 2007-2010.
A resident of Sarasota, Florida, Byrnes holds a Bachelor of Science (Foreign Service) in International Relations and a Master’s degree in Policy Management, both from Georgetown University. She replaces former U.S. Ambassador Jess Baily, who held the diplomatic post until February.