Minister of Defense Fatmir Besimi held talks Wednesday with the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Phillip Reeker.

At the meeting, DM Besimi stressed the importance of prompt NATO membership for Macedonia contributing not only to the stability and development of the country, but also to the region of Southeastern Europe, the Defense Ministry said. It was emphasised that NATO membership remained a priority and that utmost efforts would be made to meet the objective.

If Macedonia and the region join NATO, Besimi said, it will be a success for NATO, Europe and the United States, because "a membership guarantees secure and stable region as a precondition for sustainable development." NATO membership, he added, is a common goal which will contribute the region to become a more relevant partner in the mission for global peace.

"It was pointed out that Macedonia with great dedication and sincerity will work on solving the differences with Greece involving the name dispute. Moreover, support was sought by the U.S., being a friend of both parties, to assist in the UN-brokered process," the press release stated.

Minister Besimi welcomed the new US defense strategy including future pledges for preserving global peace and stability and expressed content that Euro-Atlantic integration, NATO and stability in Europe and the region remained one of the top priorities of the strategy.

Reeker underscored that the U.S. strongly supported the Euro-Atlantic integration of Macedonia, urging the name dispute to be solved and reforms aimed at meeting NATO standards to be implement in continuity.

The U.S. diplomat stressed that both countries would continue cooperating closely to meet the final goal - NATO membership. Furthermore, he praised the long-running engagement and high professionalism demonstrated by Macedonian peace troops in international missions.

Besimi at the meeting, attended by U.S. Ambassador Paul Wohlers, presented MoD's future projects related to reforms focused on achieving NATO compatibility.