The meeting focused on Serbia’s European integration, Kosovo-Metohija, parliamentary and bilateral relations between Serbia and Denmark and potentials for the improvement of economic and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The officials also exchanged opinions and experiences about the scope and work of the Serbian and Danish parliaments’ respective committees.

According to the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Milos Aligrudic, there is a need to improve parliamentary relations and deepen economic cooperation between Serbia and Denmark by establishing more intensive contacts. The Committee Chairman informed the guests on the official political position of the ruling coalition as regards European integration and Kosovo-Metohija. Sharing said position, he stressed that the Serbian Government was pleased to receive Denmark’s support of Serbia’s accession to the EU, but proceeded to highlight the key differences in the attitude the Democratic Party of Serbia, which he belongs to, has regarding said issues. As Aligrudic said, Serbia should not be a member of the European Union, which, on the other hand, should not be an obstacle to the establishment of good bilateral and economic relations with the European Union and each of its members. According to the Committee Chairman, it is absurd to ask Serbia to give up part of its territory in exchange for EU membership. He also added that the crucial issue of the status of Kosovo-Metohija should be returned into the purview of the United Nations.

The head of the Danish delegation, Jeppe Kofod presented the scope of the Danish Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee, stressing as a key point the fact that the Government must secure the Parliament’s approval on any and all foreign policy issues. Among other things, the Committee also reviews the issue of recognising new states in the world. Kofod spoke in favour of strengthening bilateral relations between Serbia and Denmark and exchanging experiences as regards regional cooperation. He commended Belgrade’s progress in the dialogue with Pristina, sure that the dialogue would result in Serbia’s being given a date to commence membership talks with the EU. Committee Chairman Kofod also showed understanding for the gravity and seriousness the Kosovo issue has for Serbia.

The meeting was also attended by MPs Irena Vujovic, Borko Stefanovic, Ljubisa Stojmirovic, Sanda Raskovic Ivic, Zlata Djeric and Zeljko Susec.