Today the Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Macedonia responsible for European Affairs, Fatmir Besimi, PhD, held a meeting with the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in charge of European and Euro-Asian Affairs, Philip Ricker, who is paying a visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The European integration of the Republic of Macedonia and the importance of this process regarding stability and development of the country and region were discussed during the meeting. The Deputy Prime Minister Besimi informed about the progress achieved in the realisation of the obligations from the High Level Accession Dialogue, as well as about the efforts and commitments by the Government regarding good neighbourly relations, as well as addressing the name issue. Moreover, Besimi pointed out that the progress was appropriately noted in the Spring European Commission Report, by referring to the areas in which a greater engagement and progress is expected in the upcoming period.

Moreover, the establishment of the Inquiry Committee for the events of 24 December was positively evaluated, which is a clear signal that the Republic of Macedonia has the institutional capacities that can employ their potential in the progress of the country, in the direction of fulfilling the European democratic standards and the Copenhagen political criteria.

Furthermore, the importance of inclusion and transparency was highlighted for the process of adoption of the Law on Media and Audiovisual Services, in the direction of promotion of the dialogue with the journalists as a step forward in the enhancement of the freedom of expression.

A particular accent on the meeting was put on the latest developments in the region regarding the European integration, as well as the Euro-Atlantic perspective, as a basis for stability, peace and development in the Western Balkans region. In that context, the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina was welcomed and the expectations are that it will be implemented in a timely manner. The membership of Croatia into the EU was also positively assessed in the direction of achieving the European idea.

The European Summit in June was also discussed during the meeting in view of the achieved progress within the High Level Accession Dialogue. At the same time, the meeting highlighted the need for prompt resolution of the name issue with a greater commitment by both parties involved in this issue, in order for the Euro-Atlantic perspective of Macedonia to become reality.

Euro-Atlantic Perspective of the Western Balkans remains a mutual interest of the Republic of Macedonia and the United States of America.