The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Ohrid held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Philip Reeker, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State.

President Ivanov expressed his appreciation to Reeker for the accepted invitation to be one of the lecturers at this year’s School for Young Leaders and noted that the Republic of Macedonia is proud of the partnership and friendship that has been continuously developed with the United States.

The talks focused on the strategic goals of the Republic of Macedonia, membership in NATO and the European Union as the highest priority, as well as the possibility of unblocking the integration processes.

The U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State thanked for the opportunity to exchange views and information on the strategic objectives of the Republic of Macedonia, on the current reform processes and in particular the latest developments in the region of Southeast Europe.

President Ivanov informed the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State on the role of the Republic of Macedonia in terms of the regional cooperation and regional initiatives. They both agreed that there is no viable alternative for the region, for the Republic of Macedonia, but full integration into the European Union and NATO.

Reeker congratulated President Ivanov on his leadership, both in the Republic of Macedonia, and in regional terms.

The meeting confirmed the partnership relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States, as well as the readiness to further intensify the cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.