The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Ivanov today received the Ambassador of the United States in the Republic of Macedonia, Mr. Philip Reeker in a farewell visit.

Both interlocutors agreed that the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States of America are exceptionally good, at a level of a strategic partnership that exists with the same intensity since Macedonia’s independence.

At the meeting, President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the development of cooperation and partnership with the United States, expressing high appreciation for the engagement and commitment of Ambassador Reeker in building and developing the relations between the two countries.

Ambassador Reeker said that the United States highly appreciate the friendship and partnership with the Republic of Macedonia and thanked President Ivanov for the exceptionally positive and constructive cooperation during his tenure. He emphasised that he especially appreciates President Ivanov’s initiatives directed towards the young people in the Republic of Macedonia.

Outgoing Ambassador Reeker also said he was particularly proud of the cooperation in the sphere of security and defense, as well as the strategic partnership based on mutual respect for identical values expressed through the support which the Republic of Macedonia provides for the important operations to protect democracy in international peacekeeping missions.

President Ivanov and Ambassador Reeker concluded that the good cooperation between the Republic of Macedonia and the United States of America will continue in the future. Both interlocutors expressed hope that Macedonia will soon realize the strategic priorities - membership in NATO and the European Union. President Ivanov said that it would be a step that will contribute to the prosperity, stability and democratic development of the region - objectives which are shared with the United States, in realization of which they have invested considerable resources.

At the end, President Ivanov used the occasion to congratulate the Ambassador Reeker the U.S. national holiday, Independence Day – 4th of July.