Foreign Minister Blanar Welcomes New Canadian Ambassador Mollica

Bratislava, November 27 (TASR) - Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) has welcomed the new Canadian Ambassador to Slovakia, Karen Elizabeth Mollica, during her inaugural visit, TASR learnt from the Foreign Affairs Ministry's communications department on Tuesday. Slovakia and Canada have a strong interest in intensifying cooperation in trade and investment and further strengthening their bilateral partnership in the political sphere. "Slovak-Canadian relations received a significant boost last year with the opening of a full-fledged Canadian Embassy in Slovakia, and I can confirm that we too wish to maintain regular contacts at the highest level. I'd also like to thank former Canadian Ambassador Cheryl Cruz, the first ever head of a Canadian representative office in Bratislava itself, for her valuable work, which has opened up greater opportunities for developing our relations more intensively," said the minister, adding that he and the new ambassador had agreed to capitalise on the large potential for business investment, which is a key priority of Slovakia's economic diplomacy. Canada will assume the G7 presidency in 2025, which could bring further significant opportunities. It is Slovakia's second-most important trading partner on the American continent after the USA. Economic ties are strong thanks in part to the Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. Slovak-Canadian turnover rose to €578 million last year, with three-quarters of Slovak exports consisting of cars. "Nearly 200 companies export from Slovakia to Canada, creating 12,000 jobs in Slovakia. We also see room for future cooperation in the reconstruction of Ukraine", added the head of Slovak diplomacy. He and the ambassador also agreed on the need to achieve peace in line with the principles of Charter of the United Nations as soon as possible. More than 68,000 people in Canada officially claim Slovak origin, though the actual number may exceed 100,000. According to Blanar, the relationship between Slovakia and Canada is exceptional due to this strong connection. "Canada is home to many generations of our compatriots, which fosters a high-quality dialogue and deeper understanding," he said. lin/df/zel