Readout of the Vice President's Meeting with Prime Minister Gruevski of Macedonia

The Vice President met today with Macedonian Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to further the Administration's efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in Europe. The two leaders discussed the political and economic relationship between the United States and Macedonia, and the Vice President noted the importance the United States attaches to rule of law, freedom of independent media, and good inter-ethnic relations in Macedonia. The Vice President thanked the Prime Minister for Macedonia's contributions to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, where it is one of the highest per capita troop contributors. The Vice President expressed the hope that Macedonia and Greece resolve together the longstanding "name issue" so that Macedonia can move forward on seeking NATO membership and fulfilling its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.