Zaev-Pompeo: Strong support for opening the EU accession talks
I am confident that North Macedonia would be a strong, capable NATO partner and I’m confident that the United States Senate will ratify your accession protocol this fall so that we can formally fold you in to the NATO team, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Friday at a joint press conference alongside PM Zoran Zaev.
Calling it historic, Pompeo welcomed the Prespa Agreement and the treaty of friendship with Bulgaria.
“The Prespa Agreement will serve as a foundation for closer economic ties between the two nations, especially on energy, and for greater stability in the Balkans and in Europe as a whole. Similarly, we welcome the treaty of friendship between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, which also contributes to the spirit of good relationships among allies,” he said.
The Secretary of State also thanked his hosts for the participation of national troops in missions alongside the U.S. army in Iraq, Afghanistan and in defeating the ISIS caliphate.
“As the world’s leading democracy, America supports countries as they pursue strong commitments to the rule of law and good government. We welcome the steps that your government has taken to fight corruption and encourage greater accountability for anyone who has abused the public trust. Fighting corruption is critical to your EU and NATO accession hopes, but even more importantly, it’s the right thing for democracy and it’s the right thing to do for your people,” Pompeo noted.
The hearts and minds of North Macedonia citizens, he stressed, should guide your country forward, not Russian bots and trolls on social media. Pompeo also warned of China’s attempts to impose its economic influence in the region.
The U.S. diplomat expressed satisfaction with his visit coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the countries.
“The growth of our diplomatic team here reflects the relationship in our strategic partnership and how it’s grown. For 25 years we’ve worked together for a free and secure and sovereign Europe and beyond,” Pompeo said in his remarks to the press.
The United States will continue to partner with you for the good of your citizens, for the region, and for the world, he concluded.
Ways to develop the cooperation between North Macedonia and the Unites States as strategic partners, with an emphasis on the potential to have business relations further improved and to attract new American investments in the country were the focal point of today’s meeting of Zaev with Pompeo.
“Talks most notably focused on the successful cooperation and partnership in defense, especially between the Army of North Macedonia and the Vermont National Guard and that as part of the military missions ISAF and Resolute Support in Afghanistan,” read the press release.
The U.S. support for finalization of the procedure for full-fledged membership in NATO and progress in the country’s process to integrate into the EU remains strong and continuous, it was concluded.
The delegations also discussed issues related to stabilization and prosperity of the region with Washington serving as the main promoter of NATO’s enlargement policy aimed at admitting the countries of the Adriatic Charter.
Furthermore, Zaev and Pompeo held a tête-à-tête meeting before the bilateral talks. The U.S. top official also met with President Stevo Pendarovski as part of his trip to North Macedonia on Friday.
The U.S. is a trusted friend and supporter of North Macedonia. Today’s visit by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is a sure sign of U.S. support to our country and its Euro-Atlantic integration, reaffirming that we are further deepening cooperation, said Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.
“North Macedonia is a committed strategic partner to the U.S.” Zaev pointed out. “We have political and historical reasons to foster and enhance our friendship. Some of them include our common values of security, freedom and democratic prosperity in the region, as well as joint activities in the fight against terrorism and other threats to world peace.”
“We’re ready to further intensify participation in all global initiatives to confront misinformation and threats to democracy.”
The PM pointed out that the expected full-fledged NATO membership would further boost our contribution in such initiatives.
“To us, NATO membership means reaching a historical goal. A major benefit not only for our country, but for strengthening freedom and democratic prosperity of the entire region,” Zaev noted.
He underlined that North Macedonia is looking forward to becoming a full-fledged NATO member soon.
“I’d like to thank the U.S. for its unwavering support to our NATO membership and the anticipated good news that the U.S. will also ratify the accession protocol In the meantime, we’re fully prepared to accept the obligations from our membership,” Zaev said.