Visit of the Honourable Andrew Scheer, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons, and a Parliamentary Delegation, Macedonia

From September 1 to 3, 2014, the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Andrew Scheer, M.P., conducted an official visit to Macedonia. Accompanying the Speaker was M. Darryl Whitehead, Senior Advisor to the Speaker. In Macedonia, the delegation met with:

• Mr. Gjorge Ivanov, President of the Republic of Macedonia
• Mr. Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister of the Republic of Macedonia
• Mr. Trajko Veljanoski, President of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia
• Mr. Aleksandar Nikoloski, Chair of the Parliamentary Group of the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, and 5 Members of the Parliamentary Group
• Mr. Nikola Popovski, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Macedonia
• Representatives of the Canadian business community in Macedonia

The purpose of the visit was to strengthen the relationship between Canada and Macedonia by promoting the establishment of ongoing parliamentary dialogue and future parliamentary exchanges. The Speaker was also specifically interested in matters of trade and investment, the economy, and peace and stability in the region. The visit provided opportunities for discussion on foreign policy issues of international and mutual interest, on subjects arising from both countries’ membership in various multilateral organizations, on possibilities for new and continuous joint collaboration, as well as on the bilateral relationship between Canada and Macedonia. In addition to these meetings, the Republic of Macedonia facilitated informal meetings in the beautiful and historic town of Ohrid. The Speaker met there with local business people, politicians, and the mayors of Ohrid and a neighbouring community.  In addition, the Speaker attended a reception hosted by Macedonia 2025, an organization for economic modernization including both government officials and business leaders. View report.