Speaking at the forum focused on international cooperation, importance of political and economic stability, political, economic and legal as well as the humane aspects of refugee issues, Gojkovic stressed that Serbia’s institutions had responded to the refugee crisis in a flexible and swift manner, in accordance with the highest international standards and in cooperation with international organizations.

Gojkovic said that Serbia viewed the issue as one of respecting international norms, solidarity and humanity and met the needs of the migrants and refugees in spite of its own economic challenges, also stressing that the policy to address this global challenge must be a comprehensive and sustainable one.

“We will support such a policy and contribute to the solution of this burning global issue”, said Gojkovic adding that the refugee crisis and migrations have shown, more than any other current issue, how a humanitarian crisis in one part of the world can affect numerous other, remote states.

The National Assembly Speaker informed the participants of the forum that Serbia, as a transit country on the Western Balkan route, had since the onset of the crisis, been crossed by 700 thousand unregistered refugees and migrants and after the closure of the route these numbers have dwindled, but their stay in Serbia has increased, which brings a whole new set of challenges.

Gojkovic said that 18 reception centres have been set up to house 7000 people, provide food, clothes and healthcare, with a special focus on children and young adults without parental care.

The Doha Forum once again brought politicians, academicians, experts, entrepreneurs and civil society organisations from around the world together to discuss numerous current issues.