U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson congratulated Macedonia on September 7 on its 26th year of independence and said Washington stands strongly behind Skopje's efforts to join the European Union and NATO.
"The United States is proud to be Macedonia's friend and strategic partner," Tillerson said. "For 26 years, we have worked together in support of Macedonia’s aspirations of joining the EU and NATO. We applaud the actions the new government has taken to demonstrate its commitment to democratic principles, respect for the rule of law, and regional cooperation.
"The United States will continue to support Macedonia’s efforts to implement the reforms needed to secure its place in the Euro-Atlantic family of nations," Tillerson said.
Macedonia under its new government led by Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has sought to speed the Balkan nation's bid to join the EU by improving strained nations with neighboring countries and negotiating with Greece over a long-standing dispute involving the name Macedonia that for years has held up Skopje's EU bid.