The President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today in Villa Biljana in Ohrid, met with the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Honorary Noel Kinsella, who is paying an official visit to the Republic of Macedonia.

The meeting discussed the possibilities to promote bilateral relations between the two countries, multilateral cooperation and strategic foreign policy goals of the Republic of Macedonia: membership in NATO and the European Union. Both interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the continuing intensification of political dialogue and with the positive dynamics in the development of the relations between the Republic of Macedonia and Canada. In this context, President Ivanov commended the parliamentary cooperation, which is marked with positive and successful development, owing to the great contribution of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Macedonia, established in the Canadian Parliament.

President Ivanov expressed satisfaction with the reunion with the Speaker of the Senate of Canada in a short period of time, and also thanked for the constructive and friendly meetings with Canadian officials during his recent visit to Canada, which contributed to the strengthening of the bilateral contacts between the two countries and concretization of the cooperation in specific areas of mutual interest.

With regard to Macedonia's membership in NATO, President Ivanov extended his gratitude for the principled support from Canada and briefed the guest on the latest developments related to the only obstacle that stands in the way of full-fledged membership in the Alliance, as well as on the expectations for the coming period.

The meeting confirmed the commitment to further promote cooperation in the fields of defence, culture, science and education, with the emphasis on the need to improve the legal contractual framework between the two countries and soon signing of specific contracts. In this regard, the Macedonian President expressed his expectation for improvement of the economic cooperation and increase of Canadian investment, considering the investment potential of the Republic of Macedonia and the measures and actions taken by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to improve the investment climate in the country.

Both interlocutors stressed the important role of the Macedonian emigrant community in Canada, as a link between the two countries that needs to be maintained and strengthened.

President Ivanov and the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, Mr. Kinsella, reaffirmed the readiness for future close cooperation in all areas of mutual interest, both at bilateral and multilateral level.