Approximately 85,000 Macedonians, who have found Australia as their second homeland, not only contribute to the country's economic development, but also to its development as a multiethnic and multicultural society, stressed Speaker of Australia's House of Representatives Harry Jenkins in the course of Saturday's visit to Ohrid.

Jenkins said the visit to Macedonia was special, not only as Speaker of the House of Representatives, but also as representative of an Australian community where a lot of Macedonians live and work.

"Today I had the opportunity to visit Ohrid, Resen, Bitola, the cities where majority of Macedonians living in Australia come from. This visit is a valuable experience for me, getting to know their country and culture", added Jenkins.

Pertaining to Australia-Macedonia relations, Speaker Jenkins said they were strong, with both countries sharing similar foreign policy.

"Both countries think and act alike on the global stage. We are proud to have Macedonia as friend, a country that we share mutual interests with, a country that actively contributes to peace and stability, not only in its region, but also globally through the Afghanistan mission", stressed Jenkins.

Speaker of Australia's House of Representatives met Friday with host Trajko Veljanoski and President Gjorge Ivanov.

Australia, confirmed Jenkins isn't capable in joining the likes of Canada and US in recognizing Macedonia's constitutional name due to the powerful greek lobby in the country.