Interview with H.E. Mr. Philip Thomas Reeker, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Macedonia

The United States is a true and sincere friend of Macedonia and I believe that the bond between our two countries is very strong. We are working together to secure the best possible future for all the citizens of this country and to realize our common goals. Recently we moved into our new embassy and I cannot think of any better proof of our permanent commitment towards this country than our wonderful new embassy.

The main strategic priority of the Republic of Macedonia remains to be its attainment of full-fledged membership of NATO, which the United States of America strongly supports. Macedonia is also committed to maintaining and, if possible, increasing its participation in international NATO-led missions with its own troops. How does the United States of America see Macedonia's contribution to the global war on terror?

Macedonia is a constant partner in the global battle against extremism. When I was in Iraq, the Macedonian troops stationed there were constantly praised by every contingent with which they served. Here I also had the honor of awarding medals to many soldiers who distinguished themselves while carrying out their duties in Iraq. I also know that the Macedonian soldiers who are in Afghanistan right now are carrying out very important tasks and they are doing a very good job. Macedonia can be proud of the impressions that these excellent soldiers are leaving on all the countries that are part of this multinational mission.

The United States of America is supporting Macedonia's market-oriented economy with substantial amount of assistance. What is necessary, in your opinion, to further boost our bilateral economic ties and especially achieve a higher level of American investments in the Republic of Macedonia?

Macedonia must clearly define the rules and regulations for doing business here. There must also be courts that will constantly and transparently implement these regulations. These are the two most important things for companies when they are considering making an investment. Companies know that disputes will appear, but they must also have access to an unbiased forum where these disputes can be resolved. Without that, they will not come.
Macedonia could achieve further progress in attracting foreign investments if it points out the multi-ethnic character of the country. Macedonia must embrace and take advantage of this. Your citizens share their history and language with almost every other country on the Balkan and you can’t say that about any other country in the region. It would be wrong not to use this to promote the country as a central place to do business with the whole Balkan Peninsula.

The public diplomacy has become one of the more important activities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia since 2006.  As an American diplomat presented with the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Public Diplomacy in 2003, can you tell us, Mr. Ambassador, what are the possibilities for expanding cooperation between our two ministries of foreign affairs in the field of public diplomacy?

A major part of Public Diplomacy is simply being open to exchange with the public. If people see you as accessible and honest, that will considerably improve the relationship. This does not mean that you will always be able to give them or to say what they want, but I found out that if you are honest about it most of the time they will respect you.

Another goal of ours in Public Diplomacy is to offer more information about the United States. Unfortunately many people believe that what they see in movies is what characterizes real life in America. Even though there are several films that depict life in the United States very realistically, that is not the case with most films. That is exactly why we send people in exchange programs or to go to school in the United States. That is exactly why we bring students and professors here to work in the local institutions. That is exactly why we invite architects, writers, poets and researchers of the living environment to speak here. That is also the reason why each year we issue thousands of visas. We want people to go see our country and to shape their opinions, not to rely on how Hollywood or someone else depicts us.

In reference to this I think that at the moment Macedonia is doing more to promote itself abroad. I know that in several places the Ministry of Culture has made several successful presentations that promote the talented people who live here. I think that this requires a lot of effort but it is a very clever way to promote Macedonia’s greatest value, its people.

Your Excellency, you were appointed to this post at the end of last year but from 1997 to 1999 you served as a Public Affairs Officer at the Embassy of the United States of America in the Republic of Macedonia. Would you be kind enough to share with us your impressions of Macedonia and maybe some special moments from your social-life experience?

Macedonia is a wonderful country and my impressions are so good that I am hard pressed to select several moments to mention. I know that I was very excited when the President and the Secretary of State offered me to take over the duty of Ambassador to Macedonia. I was very excited to be returning and to be able to show my wife Solve the country which I have talked to her about so much. Furthermore, I was pleased to be able to catch up with the friends I made here. One thing I must point out is my love of the Macedonian cuisine, which I also loved in the 90-ties, and once again now. The food is really excellent and I enjoy it most when I share it with good friends. Of course Macedonia has many natural attractions and I am always thankful for the opportunity to visit new places, which I did not visit in the 90-ties, and also to revisit those places which are my favorite.