Skopje, 10 March 2022 (MIA) – Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski and the Canadian Ambassador to the country Giles Norman during their meeting on Thursday assessed that bilateral relations between the Republic of North Macedonia and Canada are friendly and strong and continue to develop in that direction, and actively cooperate as two NATO member states. Kovachevski received congratulations on assuming the post as Prime Minister and it was underlined that government’s efforts in coping with the consequences of the global crisis are visible, such as set of economic measures adopted on Wednesday. It was also reported that the policies and quick response by the Republic of North Macedonia regarding the situation in Ukraine are commended, which are in line with NATO policies, the government said in a press release. PM Kovachevski noted that Canada is a true friend of our country and assessed that there are opportunities to enhance cooperation in the field of investment. “Regarding the situation in Ukraine, PM Kovachevski stressed that the government’s policies are and will be in line with the positions of the strategic partners of the Republic of North Macedonia, NATO and the European Union,” reads the press release. He also underlined that the government is committed to finding solutions to overcome the current economic and energy crisis and remains committed to EU membership, including here the talks with the Republic of Bulgaria. During the talks, they also concluded that ‘Open Balkan’ initiative gives results through simplified operating procedures in several areas. It was noted that the place of the Republic of North Macedonia, as well as the countries in the region is in the European Union, and that it is important for the Union and its stability, the press release reads.