The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced the bilateral visit to Canada of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Macedonia, Antonio Milososki, on February 11, 2008.

“I am pleased to welcome Minister Milososki to Canada,” said Minister Bernier. “I look forward to discussing issues of common interest, including our contribution to international peacekeeping missions, such as in Afghanistan.”

The Republic of Macedonia gained its independence in 1991, following the disintegration of Yugoslavia. Since then, the country has made significant progress in developing democratic institutions and reforming its economy. Canada has encouraged political and economic reform in the Republic of Macedonia through the promotion of human and minority rights and democratic development.

Our two countries enjoy a good bilateral relationship of mutual cooperation, which has included assistance and training for export and investment marketing, as well as military training. In addition, a Canada-Macedonia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group was established in 2002, reflecting links forged by the dynamic community of over 30,000 Canadians of Macedonian origin.

For more information, visit http://geo.international.gc.ca/cip-pic/geo/macedonia-en.aspx