Senior US State Department official Karen Donfried arrived in North Macedonia on Thursday where she is set to meet with top state officials.

The American diplomat met Foreign Minister Bujar Osmani and held a joint press conference to address EU accession.

Euronews Albania correspondent in Skopje Ferikan Iljazi says Donfried asked for a prompt opening of accession negotiations after the country has fulfilled all criteria imposed by the European Union.

“North Macedonia has fulfilled the criteria set by the European Union and deserves to start with the negotiations. This was the main message delivered in her word. She also commended North Macedonia’s contribution to NATO and its help to Ukraine. The US official said negotiations should commence for North Macedonia as a reward for the long-spanning reform process”, reported Iljazi.

Donfried also said she supports opening negotiations with Albania, shortly before her visit to the neighboring country.