Department of Defense Spokesman Lt. Col. David Herndon provided the following readout:
Performing the Duties of Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Dr. Mara Karlin hosted Minister of Defense Slavjanka Petrovska of North Macedonia at the Pentagon to reaffirm the U.S.-North Macedonia defense relationship, Sep. 15.
Dr. Karlin thanked Minister Petrovska for the contributions North Macedonia has made to Ukraine in its defense against Russia's unjust attacks. Dr. Karlin expressed appreciation to the Minister for her leadership as North Macedonia continues to modernize its military equipment and capabilities in line with NATO standards. The two leaders discussed North Macedonia's role as the 2023 chair of the U.S.-Adriatic Conference and Dr. Karlin commended North Macedonia's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.