The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, received today the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America, Mr. James Norman Mattis.

At the meeting, they exchanged views on the current political developments in the Republic of Macedonia, the country's Euro-Atlantic perspectives and the bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense and security.

The Macedonian President stressed that NATO and EU accession remain strategic goals and highest priorities of the Republic of Macedonia, which will contribute to the progress and prosperity of the entire region.

President Ivanov emphasized that the Republic of Macedonia remains a stable strategic partner of the United States and that it will continue to strive for the region's security, freedom and democratic progress and will actively contribute to the joint activities in the fight against terrorism and other threats globally.

President Ivanov thanked for the support that the United States gives to the Republic of Macedonia in promoting defense and security reforms both in terms of financial as well as practical and technical support through participation in joint trainings, exercises and missions. President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with the Vermont National Guard.

"Although we are not in NATO, our army is NATO compatible, and we are grateful to the United States for this. It is our investment to the future. We must be prepared for new threats and new challenges", President Ivanov said at the meeting with the US Defense Secretary.

The Macedonian President said that the Army of the Republic of Macedonia with its professionalism and highly ranked combat readiness is a proven NATO partner and continuously contributes to the international peace missions of the Alliance.

The intensification and improvement of the overall bilateral relations with the United States, President Ivanov added, are of long-term interest for the Republic of Macedonia.

The two interlocutors exchanged views on the challenges and expectations for the future of the region of Southeast Europe.