“The Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (IAO) is an interparliamentary body set up on Chalkidiki in 1993 at the initiative of the Hellenic Parliament, and the first assembly was held in Athens in 1994. Serbia became a member in 1995, and the IAO General Assembly met in Belgrade in 2009. The importance of this organisation and its work lies in the fact that it is making sure that the Orthodox voice is heard in the world, as well as in the Balkans, and to provide support to Orthodox states. The IAO’s objectives remain the same to this day – to overcome nationalist trends, foster ties between Asia and Europe, and strengthen Orthodoxy in Europe, Africa, Middle East and other parts of the world”, said Cotric.

Among other things, Cotric pointed out that Orthodox countries are not united and that there are instances of dispute between Orthodox states, which is a reason why their interparliamentary cooperation should be improved.

Aleksandar Cotric has been the Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy since 2014. The MP also spoke to the students about the duties and authority of the National Assembly, Foreign Affairs Committee, the delegation to the Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy and other delegations to international parliamentary organisations.