Dear Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, John Sullivan,
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Representatives of the Media,
The visit by US Deputy Secretary of State, John Sullivan, is yet another proof of the steady and constructive support by the United States of America to the Republic of Macedonia.
The strategic partnership between our two countries has been reaffirmed at all meetings and at all high-level visits exchanged between the two countries, such as the meetings with US President Trump at the margins of the NATO Summit, with Vice President Pence during our visit to Washington and with US Secretary of Defence, James Mattis.
Our economic cooperation and joint work under NATO-led missions, in which our troops fight shoulder to shoulder with the US troops against terrorism and extremism, preserving the world peace, confirm that the support and our partnership are not only of a declarative nature.
In our talks today, I have underlined that we are working in order to create a political climate in the Republic of Macedonia that will facilitate the full implementation of the Prespa Agreement, while underscoring that we are reducing the risks in this regard to the minimum and that we will not leave the Agreement implementation process to chance.
The successful outcome of this process at the Parliament is our ticket for entry into NATO.
In parallel with this process, we must invest the same energy, if not more, to continue pursuing the reforms of the justice system, of the security services and of the public administration. These reforms and the remaining package of reforms set forth under our Plan 18 oblige us to employ to the fullest all our capacities and efforts.
We must be certain that by the middle of next year we will deliver and present credible results to the European Commission in Brussels, in order that the decision of the Council of the EU for start of EU accession talks can be confirmed.
The on-going processes in the Republic of Macedonia have their impact on the Region.
Our country remains steadfastly committed to being an important player in bringing the regional countries closer to each other, to encouraging the leaders of the Western Balkan countries to remain dedicated to preserving the peace, stability and regional cooperation. With the strong support of the EU and the USA, we are building partnerships with a view to creating a new Balkans.
In conclusion, I should like to emphasize the following:
The Republic of Macedonia is always encouraged and inspired after each meeting with our US friends. We will continue to cooperate closely so that we accomplish our strategic goal of becoming a NATO and EU member, which on its part will enable us to continue contributing even more intensively to advancing the Euro-Atlantic structures, for the benefit of the peace, stability and prosperity of all nations that make part of the same family.
Thank you.
