Welch, Tillis, Shaheen, Ricketts Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Congratulating North Macedonia on 34 Years of Independence

Sep 18, 2025
Resolution also honors 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between United States and the Republic of North Macedonia
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.),Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.),and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.)this weekintroduced a resolution congratulating the Republic of North Macedonia as they celebrate the 34thanniversary of their independence. Senator Welch honored the 30 years of diplomatic relations and friendship between the United States and North Macedonia.
“The bond of friendship between the United States and the Republic of North Macedonia has been vital to advancing democratic reforms and the rule of law in Eastern Europe. We’re grateful for North Macedonia’s continued partnership in our shared pursuit of global prosperity, peace, cooperation, and friendship. I’m proud to introduce this resolution honoring three decades of friendship between our two countries and congratulating the people of North Macedonia on 34 years of independence,”said Senator Welch. “I will continue to avidly support North Macedonia’s accession to the EU, which will bring increased opportunities for exchanges of business and commerce as well as additional coordination between the Vermont National Guard and the Army of North Macedonia.”
Senator Welch also expressed support for North Macedonia’s active role in regional cooperation, including the country’s dedication to shared security, collective defense, and joint military alliance as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and continued support of the country’s European Union (EU) accession process.
“North Macedonia remains an important ally in advancing democratic values, strengthening NATO, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans,”said Senator Tillis. “As we mark 34 years of independence and 30 years of diplomatic relations with the United States, this resolution highlights the significance of our partnership and North Macedonia’s role in supporting regional security. I look forward to continuing our friendship and supporting their progress toward EU accession.”
“North Macedonia is a critical NATO ally and as co-chair of the Senate NATO Observer Group, I was proud to help champion its NATO accession bid in the Senate. I am honored to cosponsor this bipartisan resolution, which reaffirms our enduring friendship and support for North Macedonia’s European Union aspirations,”said Senator Shaheen.
“For over 30 years, North Macedonia has been a friend to the United States,”said Senator Ricketts.“North Macedonia is a valuable strategic partner and a key ally. They have been a reliable member of NATO since joining in 2020.  They share in our pursuit of peace and prosperity. Our relationship had advanced the rule of law and democracy in Eastern Europe. Congratulations on 34 years of independence.”
“For more than three decades, the partnership between North Macedonia and the Vermont National Guard has offered unprecedented continuity of effort in building capability and capacity in facilitating regional security and stability. This resolution rightly commends the success of this sustained effort in presenting countless opportunities for mutually beneficial professional development and opportunities for engagement well beyond the traditional military partnership,”said Gregory C. Knight, Major General, Vermont Adjutant General.
Last Congress, Senator Welchled a bipartisan resolutionaffirming the United States’ support for the Republic of North Macedonia’s EU accession. Senators Welch and Shaheen also joined acongressional delegationto North Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they conveyed continued U.S. support for the Balkans. The Senators deliveredremarksat the Sarajevo Security Conference recognizing America’s shared goal with the Western Balkans in continued collaboration toward enduring regional security, stability, and prosperity.
Read and downloadthe full text of the resolution.
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