Parliamentary Secretary Oliphant Heads to North Macedonia For OSCE Council Meeting

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, has announced that Parliamentary Secretary Robert Oliphant will represent the country at the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in North Macedonia. Following this, Oliphant will engage in diplomatic discussions during a visit to Bulgaria to strengthen bilateral ties.

The OSCE Ministerial Council meeting, scheduled for November 29 and 30 in Skopje, North Macedonia, is a critical event where Canada aims to reaffirm its commitment to the organization. Oliphant will address the council on Canada’s dedication, emphasizing support for Ukraine and urging Russia to fulfill its international commitments.

This meeting is of utmost importance as the OSCE provides a vital platform for discussions on politico-military matters, particularly in the aftermath of the 2014 Crimea annexation. It has played a crucial role in holding Russia accountable for its aggression and crimes against Ukraine.

Oliphant will visit Bulgaria on December 1 underscores the significance of bilateral relations. Discussions will center on security matters in the Black Sea region, Europe, and globally. This diplomatic mission provides an opportunity to engage with international partners on key security issues amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The aim is to foster cooperation and collaboration to address the evolving challenges in the geopolitical landscape.

Canada’s active participation in the OSCE, as one of the 57 participating states and a signatory of the Helsinki Final Act, emphasizes its commitment to regional security. As the sixth-largest contributor to OSCE operations, Canada’s support is crucial for initiatives such as election monitoring missions.

The positive Canada-Bulgaria relationship, evident in their NATO alliance, reinforces their commitment to collaboration in multilateral forums. As Oliphant’s diplomatic journey on the international stage, is crutial to reiterate Canada’s postions in promoting global peace, security, and cooperation.