The United States and Macedonia have signed an Open Skies air services agreement that will formalize liberalization of their bilateral aviation relationship.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary Philip Reeker and Macedonian Minister of Transportation Mile Janakieski signed the pact in Skopje on Thursday.

The Agreement shall enter into force 30 days after the date of the final notification, via an exchange of diplomatic notes between the two sides.

It creates opportunities for strengthening economic partnership between the United States and Macedonia through closer links in transport and trade.

Open Skies agreements permit unrestricted air service by the airlines of both countries between and beyond the other's territory, eliminating restrictions on how often the carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they use and the prices they charge.

"This agreement will strengthen and expand our strong trade and tourism links with Macedonia, benefiting U.S. and Macedonian businesses and travelers by expanding opportunities for air services and encouraging vigorous price competition by airlines, while preserving our commitments to aviation safety and security," the U.S. State Department said in a press release.

The United States has concluded over 100 Open Skies agreements with partners around the world and at all levels of development.

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