Wednesday, 4 September 2013
THE PRESIDENT VELJANOSKI HELD A MEETING WITH THE SPEAKER OF THE CANADIAN SENATE MR. NOEL KINSELLA
At the beginning of the meeting, the President of the Assembly of Macedonia, Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, expressed his immense pleasure of hosting and returning the hospitality to his colleague, Mr. Noel Kinsella, the Speaker of the Senate of Canada, and expressed his gratitude for his visit to the Republic of Macedonia.
He noted that this visit represents another confirmation of the good relations between the Republic of Macedonia and Canada, which of course will continue to grow. President Veljanoski expressed his pleasure in relation with the formation of the Canadian-Macedonian Parliamentary Group for collaboration within the Canadian Parliament, in March this year. With the formation of this group, through direct contacts and meetings with the Macedonia parliamentary group for collaboration, it will be much easier to use the capacities offered by parliamentary diplomacy, which in turn will contribute to the further development of mutual relations. During the meeting, President Veljanoski gave his gratitude for Canada's recognition of Macedonia's constitutional name in bilateral relations.
During the meting issues that were referred to were the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Republic of Macedonia, as well as the contribution of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO missions, as a result of which Canada gives permanent support towards membership of the Republic of Macedonia in NATO, and also the collaboration in the field of defense towards European integration, which is the main political priority of the Republic of Macedonia.
The Speaker of the Canadian Senate, Mr. Noel Kinsella, highlighted that Canada recognizes the Republic of Macedonia under its constitutional name and added that the process of integration-whether in NATO or in the EU, stimulates the Republic of Macedonia to undertake significant political, economical and social reforms, which have resulted with significant progress, which results with the building of a democratic and prosperous country.
During the meeting the Honorable Speaker of the Canadian Senate, Mr. Noel Kinsella, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Macedonia. He pointed out that the parliamentary diplomacy easily opens doors, because there are no constraints present, like those existent in other type of diplomacy, and also added that parliamentary diplomacy is a growing and influential force for the exchange of ideas, encouragement of mutual understanding and trust, and the building of goodwill among the states.
The Speaker of the Canadian Senate, Mr. Noel Kinsella, noted that Canada has benefited from the many cultures which helped in the formation of a multicultural society, where Macedonians also take part. From the first settlement of Macedonians in Canada, the Macedonian community thrived, grew and helped in process of building Canada. The Macedonian community is present in almost all social events, including politics, the economy, science and sports.
During the meeting there was also discussion on the process of visa liberalization by Canada, the opening an office for issuing visas in Skopje. Mr. Kinsella highlighted that this issue is of great importance for young people, which through education will engage in global flows of knowledge and exchange of experiences.
He added that it is important for large companies from Canada to invest into the Republic of Macedonia, which will increase economic cooperation, which both speakers agreed is currently on a low level..
Many current issues were discussed during the meeting, including the current situation in Syria and the consequences which may arise from the situation in that country.