We are disappointed that the EU member states failed to adopt the negotiating framework for Northern Macedonia at yesterday's meeting, but there is no doubt that the country has fulfilled the necessary tasks to open accession negotiations with the EU and this is a step that we believe will increase regional stability and Improved political and economic activity, said today the US Ambassador Kate Mary Burns, at the first Skopje Economic Forum.

The United States, stressed Burns, will be with Northern Macedonia at every step of this trip, because it is in the interest of our common strategic goals.

- Northern Macedonia has overcome political instability and is undertaking important democratic reforms. It has become a stable partner for the security and progress of the whole region and has shown that it is ready to complete the difficult tasks necessary to achieve the strategic goals. The signing of the Prespa Agreement, NATO membership and the opening of the road to the EU are just some of the more significant successes, and now is the time for investment and trade to begin to reap the economic benefits of these political victories. It is time for economic growth to increase, pointed out Burns.

The US goals in the Balkans, Burns stressed, remain clear and unchanged, pointing out that in the future they see the region at peace with its neighbors, stable and fully integrated into the Euro-Atlantic framework.

- Seen separately, each of the Western Balkan countries are small markets for serious investors, but all together a significant and interesting market of 18 million is seriously attractive to American and European investors, pointed out Burns.

At the end of the day, said Burns, Northern Macedonia belongs to the European Union and although it is a long way, it is important to continue making progress.

- The steps on this road are of particular benefit to the citizens of the country. Steps such as strengthening the rule of law, fighting corruption, improving infrastructure, integrating the economy with neighbors, creating a climate for investment and business, are things that are not only criteria for the EU, but are especially important for the citizens of Northern Macedonia. , pointed out Burns.

President Biden, said Burns, during his visit to Europe said that "we must build the common future we seek," and continued to build ties, said Burns, between Northern Macedonia and its neighbors will build that common future and will allow the country, the region and the United States to increase security and economic cooperation