Reeker, after Mickoski's stay in Washington, noted that Macedonia had no better friend than the United States on the international stage

« Northern Macedonia did not have a better friend than the United States on the international stage. We have been engaged in the past and will be in the future of Northern Macedonia, most importantly, through many administrations. I think it is wonderful to see that Prime Minister Christian Mickoski, in a relatively short period of time after he and his government took power, established such good, solid relations with the United States, including, of course, with the new administration in Washington. « 

This, in an interview with Voice of America, is assessed by former US Secretary of State and former US ambassador to Skopje Philip Reeker, commenting on the recent visit of Macedonian Prime Minister Christian Mickoski to Washington and his address to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

According to Reeker, the two countries have excellent relations, as always.

« The prime minister's engagement, whether he is here in Washington during his visits, is crucial for both sides of the Atlantic, » the US diplomat said.

He recalled that he had talked to Mickoski in Munich at a security conference, which was an important opportunity for the Balkans, as well as wider transatlantic issues.

Asked if President Donald Trump's new administration can help move Macedonian European integration or new new US investments in Macedonia, Reeker points out that US investments are separated from the government.

– Obviously, what matters – is creating an investment environment in Northern Macedonia that will be attractive to US investors, and there are programs by the US government that can support and assist those efforts that were part of aid to Northern Macedonia and other countries in the region to help them revive economic development. Of course, EU membership has long been a political priority for the United States. It refers to the countries of the Western Balkans. We moved very smart and quickly to NATO membership, which I think was crucial. And NATO membership, of course, is a very important aspect of what makes Northern Macedonia attractive to foreign investment. Security is the most important for economic development and prosperity – says Reeker.

According to the former US ambassador to Skopje, the good relations between the two countries are important, as the United States is a huge global force, the world's largest economy, NATO founder.

– Transatlantic relations are a priority and I think Prime Minister Mickovski and his team are working great to maintain and strengthen those relationships. The goal of joining Northern Macedonia into the European Union remains a priority – Reeker said.