Canada covers more than half of North America, with an area of ​​9.98 million km² and is the second largest country in the world by area. Its population (about 38 million inhabitants) is concentrated, mainly, in large and medium-sized cities (82 percent), very close to the southern border.

Its capital is Ottawa and the three largest metropolitan centers are Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. Canada’s climate is diverse ranging from the Arctic climate in the north to the hot summers in the southern regions, with four different seasons.

Canada is a federal parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The Canadian monarchy is a separate legal institution from the monarchy of the United Kingdom, although both functions are held by the same individual. The sovereign is Queen Elizabeth II, who is also the monarch of the other 15 Commonwealth countries and of each of Canada’s 10 provinces. The Queen’s representative, the Governor General of Canada performs most of the royal federal duties in Canada.

Canada has two official languages, English and French. It is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries as a result of large-scale emigration from many other countries. Canada ranks fifteenth in per capita income, the economy is the tenth largest in the world, relying heavily on its natural resources and well-developed international trade networks.

Canada ranks among the countries with the highest indicators for government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic freedom and education.

Bilateral relations Albania – Canada

OVERVIEW

Relations between the Republic of Albania and Canada were established on September 10, 1987. Until 1992, the Embassy of Canada in Belgrade also covered Albania. Then, until 1999, this jurisdiction passed to the Embassy of Canada in Budapest, Hungary. From 1999 onwards, Canada is represented in Albania through its ambassador in Rome, Italy.

Bilateral relations

Relations between the two countries have developed more after the establishment of pluralistic democracy in Albania. In April 2001, the Embassy of the Republic of Albania was opened for the first time in Ottawa, which gave a new impetus to the strengthening of relations between the two countries.

Relations between the two countries are very good and are characterized by a consolidated friendship. Mutual high-level visits over the years testify to the level of political dialogue and the potential for economic cooperation. Holding diplomatic consultations shows the common will to consolidate political co-operation, in the interest of advancing relations and intensifying co-operation in areas of mutual interest. Enhancing the legal framework is important for the mutual promotion of exchanges and bilateral investments. Countries have signed Memoranda of Understanding in various fields. On April 30, 2019, the Social Security Agreement was signed, while Albania and Canada are jointly coordinating the advancement of agreements in the process, including the agreement on the Protection and Promotion of Foreign Investment.

The well-integrated Albanian Diaspora in Canadian society and life is a strong bridge and an important factor in strengthening human ties and bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Both countries are allies in NATO. Albania appreciates Canada’s contribution to the advancement of democracy and the strengthening of global peace and security, and we will continue to cooperate with it in this regard in the framework of multilateral diplomacy.