Skopje, 30 August 2023 (MIA) - Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski, alongside Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska, held a phone call on Wednesday with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. 

 
PM Kovachevski expressed satisfaction that Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, is paying a visit to North Macedonia on Wednesday, which, he said, "speaks for the active and continuous dialogue between our two countries on important topics of interest to both countries, to Europe and beyond", the Government said in a press release. 

"The conversation focused on several topics aimed at further deepening bilateral relations, as well as cooperation within NATO and the multilateral scene. Prime Minister Kovachevski stressed that the overall development of relations and cooperation with Canada is North Macedonia's long-term interest, as from the very beginning of the country's independence it has shown active support for the reform, European and Euro-Atlantic integration of the country," reads the press release.

The two highlighted the importance of continuing the process of integrating North Macedonia in the EU, which offers a reliable, predictable and safe path for its prosperity and progress as part of the European family of nations, the press release adds. 

"Canada's Prime Minister Trudeau expressed satisfaction with the excellent cooperation between the two countries in NATO, especially with the participation of Macedonian troops in the enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia, which is under Canadian command," the Government said. 

In addition, Trudeau noted that this group enables significant cooperation between allies from different countries in strengthening transatlantic defense and security, and Macedonian troops, as part of it, are highly respected by their Canadian colleagues. 

"Our cooperation is strong in NATO, in the EU and in Ukraine, and I know that the people of North Macedonia understand that the country's future is bright as part of the progressive European democracies," said the Canadian PM, pointing out that "North Macedonia can always count on Canada".   

PM Kovachevski also mentioned the importance of the Macedonian community in Canada and its significant contribution to the Canadian society. 

Photo: Government of the Republic of North Macedonia