I call this meeting to order.
Welcome to meeting number 37 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on Thursday, February 12, the committee commences its study of the security situation in the Balkans.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the Standing Orders. Members are attending in person in the room, and others are joining us remotely using the Zoom application.
I would now like to welcome our witnesses.
We have, from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, Jessica Blitt, ambassador of Canada to Croatia and Kosovo; Michelle Cameron, ambassador of Canada to Serbia, Montenegro and North Macedonia; Gallit Dobner, director general, Arctic, Eurasian and European affairs; and François Lafrenière, ambassador of Canada to Hungary, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, who is joining us by video conference.
Up to five minutes will be given for opening remarks, after which we will proceed with rounds of questions from members of the committee.
I now invite Ms. Dobner to make an opening statement of no more than five minutes.
Welcome and thank you.