Canada is a natural ally and partner of Bulgaria
24 November 2014 News
Canada is a natural ally and partner of Bulgaria and the two countries share common democratic values. The bilateral cooperation within international organizations such as NATO, the UN, OSCE, the International Organization of La Francophonie is constantly increasing, said Minister Daniel Mitov at today’s meeting with Joanne Lemay, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Canada to Bulgaria, based in Bucharest.
Ambassador Lemay pointed out that Bulgaria and Canada have similar positions on a number of key global and regional issues. She thanked Bulgaria for its support for Michaëlle Jean’s candidacy for the position of Secretary General of the OIF.
Minister Daniel Mitov and Ambassador Joanne Lemay shared the view that strengthening the high level political dialogue will contribute to the realization of the unused potential for cooperation in the field of economy and trade. They agreed that a positive step in that direction is the formation of Friendship group Bulgaria – Canada in the Canadian Parliament, which will be formally established tomorrow.
Discussing the visa issue, Minister Mitov emphasized that it is essential for the Bulgarian side as it affects both the business relations and the travelling of the citizens. For his part, Ambassador Lemay underscored the steps that the Canadian side has taken to facilitate the issuance of visas, adding that his does not exempt Canada of its commitment to lift visa requirements for all EU nationals. The two diplomats agreed that holding active bilateral dialogue on all issues related to visa policy of Canada is the right way to find a prompt and satisfactory solution for both parties.
Among the topics of conversation was also the crisis in Ukraine and the Middle East. The Black Sea region is the link between the two conflicts and strengthening of its security as part of NATO’s eastern flank is essential to the security of the entire Alliance, the Foreign Minister said.
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