English
Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski held an official meeting today in New York with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. Also present on the American side were Brendan Harnahan, Assistant Secretary of State for Europe, and Daniel Lawton, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Europe, whose portfolio includes the Balkan states. These official meetings with the high-level State Department delegation follow Prime Minister Mickoski’s meeting yesterday in New York with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The meeting provided an opportunity for an open and substantive discussion regarding the strategic partnership with the United States, the deepening of political and economic dialogue, and issues of mutual interest to both nations. “In a time of serious geopolitical challenges and shifts in international relations, maintaining strong, stable, and principled ties with our strategic partners is of utmost importance to us. The United States is our long-standing strategic partner and ally, and direct high-level political communication is a vital component in further strengthening those relations,” stated the Office of Prime Minister Mickoski. According to the statement from the office, it is particularly significant that the Government maintains a direct and open dialogue with the US administration and holds meetings where Macedonian interests can be clearly presented and heard “where important regional and global issues are discussed.”
We discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation across various sectors—including economic development and investment, as well as regional security and stability—and addressed the country’s role as a NATO ally and a partner contributing to regional stability. Today, Macedonia acts with clearly defined national interests and a commitment to representing them before its partners with dignity and well-founded arguments. We are building relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and concrete cooperation designed to deliver results for the citizens and the state. Our policy is one of dignity, principles, and the protection of national interests. Friendships are built not on words, but on trust. Partnerships are measured not by protocol, but by deeds. And respect for a country is built through clear positions, dignity, and credibility. That is precisely the kind of state we are building: one that stands tall, with a clear stance and a secure future, the statement notes.