A message of unity, harmony and solidarity, for the establishment of a strong and respected Macedonia, was conveyed by Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski at a meeting with the Macedonian diaspora in Detroit.

"On the eve of the 21st anniversary of an autonomous and independent Republic of Macedonia, I would like to send a message of unity, solidarity and defiance as we are facing challenges. The stakes are high - stable, developed and prosperous Macedonia. It's a legacy left behind by our predecessors and our duty is to put all resources, experience, knowledge and potentials at disposal in an attempt to create a strong and respected state. It is the only way to win the struggle against those who deny the existence of Macedonian people and a Macedonian church. Stay strong in union, do not separate into groups here in the diaspora. We need you to live in harmony, because it is the only way that you can help Macedonia," PM Gruevski stressed.

In addition to the government team led by Gruevski, U.S. congressmen, businessmen and Macedonian church officials were in attendance at the meeting with Macedonian immigrants.

U.S. Democratic congressman Gary Peters said that about fifty of his colleagues had sent a letter to President Barack Obama urging him to advocate for Macedonia to join NATO.

"We need Macedonia in NATO, we need to have stronger relations. Everything will be done to ensure that the alliance between the United States and Macedonia is strong," Mr. Peters said.

U.S. Republican congresswoman Candice Miller also voiced her support for the Macedonian membership to NATO and the partnership between the U.S. and Macedonia.

"We'll continue working on it with great dedication. As congressman Peters mentioned, 53 congressmen signed a letter sent to President Obama regarding the accession of Macedonia into NATO. Unfortunately, Macedonia didn't join NATO at the Chicago summit, but I think there is willingness to go on. Macedonia has deployed troops in Iraq and in Afghanistan and we thank you for that. In Afghanistan, the brave Macedonian soldiers are guarding the NATO tent. If they are able to do that outside the tent, then they should be allowed to get inside NATO," Ms. Miller noted.