Skopje, 30 August 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski held a meeting Wednesday with Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Mélanie Joly. Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska also attended the meeting. 

"Interlocutors jointly expressed confidence that today's visit and talks will give a new impetus to the strengthening of bilateral relations and mutual cooperation, especially due to the fact that this is the first visit of a Canadian foreign minister to the country," the Government said in a press release. 

PM Kovachevski expressed gratitude for Canada's continuous strong support towards implementing the reform processes in order to ensure the country's progress in terms of European integration. In that regard, he expressed assurance that, as many times before, North Macedonia will stand in defense of its national and strategic interests, i.e. taking concrete steps towards securing EU membership.

As regards bilateral relations, Kovachevski welcomed the nurturing of traditional friendship and the rich and versatile cooperation between the two countries, particularly on a multilateral level.

"The signing of the 2018 Declaration on Cooperation and Strategic Partnership provides a stable basis to further promote overall cooperation between the two countries," reads the press release. 

PM Kovachevski also extended gratitude for Canada's strong support to the country's NATO membership, adding that today North Macedonia is a respected and responsible member of the transatlantic community. 

"We deeply value the partnership with Canada as NATO allies and will continue to act responsibly," Kovachevski stressed. 

Canada's Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly expressed strong support for the country to continue on the path of European integration, regarding which there is unequivocal support and interest on the part of Canada for North Macedonia's membership in the European Union as soon as possible. In addition, reads the press release, Minister Joly stressed that today, more than ever, the western world should be united, and North Macedonia, as its integral part, shows this by sharing the same values ​​and commitments.

Kovachevski highlighted the importance of the numerous Macedonian community in Canada, which is a significant part of the rich Canadian mosaic of cultures and peoples, and which has made and will continue to make a significant contribution to building and strengthening Canada.

"Our community is a significant bridge between the two countries, which also helps in building our mutual ties," said PM Kovachevski.

Talks particularly focused on strengthening the economic ties between Canada and North Macedonia, with participants in the meeting jointly concurring that there are huge opportunities for investments in the country in different spheres. 

Photo/Video: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia.