Department of Defense Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Anton T. Semelroth provided the following readout:
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Colin Kahl hosted Minister of Defense Radmila Shekerinska of North Macedonia in Washington D. C. today to reaffirm the U.S.-North Macedonia defense relationship. Dr. Kahl reiterated U.S. support for North Macedonia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, ongoing progress toward its NATO capability targets, and greater interoperability with NATO Allies. The two leaders also discussed cyber defense cooperation and countering malign influence. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III joined the delegation and reiterated his commitment to the U.S. security cooperation partnership with North Macedonia. The Minister’s visit included a flag unveiling ceremony in the Pentagon’s NATO hallway to commemorate North Macedonia’s 2020 accession into the Alliance.