The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden, has welcomed the opening of negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia with the European Union.
The statement emphasized that the United States will continue to be a strong and reliable partner as those countries work to protect human rights, strengthen democratic reforms and uphold the rule of law.
"The United States welcomes the important steps that the European Union is taking to advance the integration of the Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic community by opening EU accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia.
At a time when Russia has destroyed the peace in Europe, it is more important than ever to support the aspiration for a complete, free and peaceful Europe.
A democratic, secure and prosperous Western Balkans remains essential to this vision. The United States will continue to be a strong and reliable partner as those countries work to protect human rights, strengthen democratic reforms, and uphold the rule of law.
The steps that the EU, Albania and North Macedonia have taken in recent days should inspire all EU aspirants in the region to increase their commitment to strengthening their democracies," said the statement distributed by the Biden administration on the website official.