President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova held a farewell meeting with Jerry Dibble, USAID representative in the country, which was also attended by the Ambassador of the United States of America, Angela Aggeler.
Thanking Dibble for her dedicated engagement and contribution to the advancement of relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries, the President emphasized that various US programs and cooperation projects have left a visible mark in the country. Part of our development in many areas, as she added, is due to USAID funds and therefore the country expects the initiated projects to be completed.
Siljanovska-Davkova confirmed the readiness to further expand bilateral relations and deepen Macedonian-American friendship, considering that with the United States as our strategic partner, we have untapped potential for strengthening cooperation in all areas, especially in the economy.
Discussing the Macedonian European integration process, Siljanovska-Davkova expressed gratitude for the continued support from the United States, as well as the belief that with the help of the new administration, they will expand and deepen economic cooperation.
At the meeting, Dibble pointed out that in the past 30 years, through numerous projects, USAID has invested USD 900 million in the country. Considering the recent cuts in aid funds, she said that together with the US Embassy and other donors, they will try to find a way to implement the projects and activities that have been started, in order not to lose the benefits they have gained so far.
Ambassador Aggeler expressed disappointment that the USAID office in the country is closing and stressed that the Embassy, together with the Government and other partners, will continue to advocate for the finalization of the programs that have been initiated.
