A top U.S. diplomat is visiting North Macedonia to meet with government, civil society, and business leaders, the State Department says.
Philip Reeker, the assistant secretary for European and Eurasian affairs, will also visit Greece during his trip, set for July 21-27.
North Macedonia's path to membership in both the EU and NATO was cleared after Skopje reached agreement with Greece over the former Yugoslav republic’s official name.
Athens had opposed the use of the moniker "Macedonia," asserting that it indicated territorial ambitions over Greece’s province of the same name, and Skopje agreed to change its name to North Macedonia.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said during a recent visit to Skopje that the Western military alliance was "ready to welcome" the country as its 30th member.
Meanwhile, North Macedonia’s bid to join the EU has come up against some opposition from current members, including France and the Netherlands, over concerns that governmental standards and the fight against corruption is not up to European levels.
The State Department said Reeker will meet in Skopje with President Stevo Pendarovski, Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, and other government leaders to discuss bilateral issues and North Macedonia’s “path to NATO and EU membership.”
Reeker is also scheduled to hold meetings with members of parliament, opposition party members, and local government representatives, said the State Department, which did not provide a specific itinerary for the visit to the two countries.
U.S. Diplomat To Meet Leaders In North Macedonia On NATO, Other Issues
- By RFE/RL

Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
Ukraine's Electric Cavalry: The E-Bikes Being Used In Battle
2Russia Finally Releases Danish Jehovah's Witness Christensen
3Photojournalist Captures Intensity Of Fighting In Eastern Ukraine
4'Putin Is The Devil!' Daghestani Schoolgirl Protests Ukraine War At Graduation Ceremony
5Amid Rising Russian Threat, Moldova Mulls Scrapping Neutrality
6Orban Imposes New State Of Emergency In Hungary, Saying Ukraine War Poses 'Constant Danger'
7Moscow Throws Massive Resources Into Offensive; Ukraine Grain Exports Under Strain
8Hacks, Oil Deals, And Veiled Criticism: China-Russia Ties Continue To Morph After Ukraine Invasion
9Zelenskiy Warns Of 'Extremely Difficult' Period As Russia Boosts Offensive In Eastern Ukraine
10Russian Soldier Sentenced To Life In Prison In First War Crimes Case Since Ukraine Invasion
Subscribe