The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Dragoljub Micunovic met today in Belgrade with Avigdor Lieberman, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Chairman Micunovic and Minister Lieberman discussed the overall relations between Serbia and Israel, and furthering political and economic cooperation.

Chairman Micunovic told Minister Lieberman about the history of friendly relations between the Serbian and Jewish community, stressing that Serbia had boasted a considerable Jewish community which fell victim to genocide in World War Two. He added that Serbia respects and keeps the memory of victims of fascism adding that any emergence of a militant, anti-Semitic group is penalised.

Minister Lieberman stressed that Israel strives for more active relations with central and southeast European countries. He gave a positive estimate of the relations between Serbia and Israel, adding that the relations between the two parliaments should be developed further. The cooperation between the friendship groups in both the Israeli Knesset and the National Assembly should be improved. He stated that Serbia and Israel are countries with similar problems, adding that political relations should bring about the strengthening of economic relations. He also said that the good relations between the two people contribute to the good relations between the countries, and that the signing of the Visa Abolition Agreement for Serbian citizens also contributes to the fact.

Chairman Micunovic expressed his pleasure at the abolition of visas for Serbian citizens traveling to Israel and agreed that both sides should work together towards bettering economic cooperation, as Israeli businessmen invest in Serbia and all direct investments are welcome. He also stressed that the Serbia-Israel friendship group at the National Assembly shall strive to establish such relations.