Macedonia has met NATO membership criteria, we expect the support from all Alliance member-states and believe that arguments to block its progress on that path are exhausted. This is the message that Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki is set to convey to the U.S. administration in the course of the meetings February 1-2, while taking part at the National Prayer Breakfast, hosted by President Barack Obama.

FM Poposki is set to meet with Deputy State Secretary William Burns and House officials.

"We have always had open and constructive dialogue with the United States. I believe it is a fact that everyone wants to see Macedonia in NATO as soon as possible. In this regard, the message we want to send in the coming period is that Macedonia has truly met all membership criteria, whereas the credibility of the Euro-Atlantic integration process needs to be preserved by giving us a chance to sit at the joint table with other allies. We expect the support from all member-states, including our southern neighbor. We believe that arguments for blocking Macedonia's progress on this road have been exhausted", said Poposki prior to his departure.

Poposki will also address the Atlantic Council on topic "Macedonia on the Road to NATO: Knocking on the Open Door".