In celebration of 70 years of Canadian-Greek diplomatic relations, the Canadian Embassy inaugurated the "Park of Canada" in Thessaloniki on January 25. The park features an Inuit sculpture and a memorial to Mackenzie King, the Prime Minister of Canada during the Second World War and a philhellene.

As German troops closed in on Thessaloniki in 1941, Canadian premier Mackenzie King relayed his support for the Greek cause, "When the birthplace of the finest civilization the world ever experienced, the country to which we owe what makes life superior and more beautiful, faces such an attack, the place of all real people is by her side."

"The inauguration of the Park of Canada underscores the solidarity and friendship between Canadians and Greeks during World War II, a friendship that remains strong until today," added Canadian Ambassador Robert W. Peck.