FOREIGN Affairs Minister John Baird on Friday, commenting on the result of Scotland’s referendum, said: “The Scottish people have voted to remain within a strong United Kingdom. The peaceful, open and democratic way in which two very different but sincere views was handled is a credit to the Scottish and U.K. governments.

“Canada welcomes this decision. As Prime Minister Stephen Harper said during the campaign, the United Kingdom has been an overwhelmingly positive force in the world.

“Canada and the United Kingdom share deep historical bonds and an important working partnership. We look forward to this friendship continuing well into the future.”

The “No” side won Thursday’s referendum by 2,001,926 to 1,617,989 for “Yes”.

The national split of the vote was 55% for “No” to 45% for “Yes”.