Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Poposki met on Wednesday with Phillip Reeker, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, during his visit to Macedonia as part of the diplomat's tour of the region.

At the meeting Poposki and Reeker shared views on all current issues of mutual interest and guidelines for further development of bilateral ties and discussed recent developments in the region of Southeast Europe and Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration processes.

Minister Poposki underlined the Macedonian government's long-term interest in advancing the strategic partnership with the U.S. Thus, he expressed anticipation for heightened U.S. support prior to the NATO summit in Chicago in order Macedonia to obtain a membership invitation as soon as possible.

With respect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice, FM Poposki vowed to respect the principles of international law and reiterated Macedonia's commitment to solve the name dispute with Greece by playing an active role in the UN-brokered name talks.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Reeker praised the excellent bilateral relations and reaffirmed the U.S. strong support for Macedonia's Euro-Atlantic integration. Welcoming the country's constructive behavior following the ICJ ruling, Reeker voiced hope that the judgment would encourage the two parties to find a mutually acceptable solution to the name dispute.