Speaking of overall cooperation, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Prof. Dr Zarko Obradovic opined that what could cement the two countries’ relations is an improvement of economic cooperation, as well as cooperation in the spheres of agriculture, civil engineering, energy and tourism. He said that educational and cultural cooperation could contribute to the promotion of both countries’ cultural heritage. He reminded everybody that this year is the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Iran, hoping that the parliaments of the two countries would fully contribute to the celebration of this important date. Visa liberalisation between Serbia and Iran, as well as a direct flight between Belgrade and Tehran would also help promote tourism, opined Obradovic.

Obradovic added that he truly appreciated the principled stance of the Islamic Republic of Iran on Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Speaking of the situation in the region, he said that Serbia is an important factor of regional stability and enjoys good relations with all the countries in the region.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, Chairman of the Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Iran, thanked the Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman for the initiative to have the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran visit the National Assembly. He agreed with Chairman Obradovic that there is room to deepen cooperation between the two countries, especially in the spheres of energy, tourism and economy. Boroujerdi spoke of the crisis in the region that Iran is faced with - combating trade in narcotics and terrorism. In the spirit of fostering relations with all the countries in the region, he said that the crisis faced by the region, including Iran, cannot be tackled through a military solution, it requires a diplomatic solution and dialogue.

Alaeddin Boroujerdi suggested that the Committee members continue the dialogue and parliamentary cooperation in the same spirit, by a return visit to the Iranian Parliament.

The meeting was attended by Committee members: Natasa Sp. Jovanovic, Dr Sanda Raskovic Ivic, Milisav Petronijevic and Jovan Jovanovic.