Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dr Dragoljub Micunovic and Committee members Suzana Grubjesic, Milos Aligrudic and Balint Pastor received today at the National Assembly House the Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Italian Parliament Representative House, Umberto Ranieri. The good relations between the two countries were confirmed during the conversation and opinions on the most important issues of bilateral relations were exchanged. The need for strengthening parliamentary cooperation through friendship groups in both parliaments was particularly emphasised.

Chairman Ranieri stressed Italy’s strong support of Serbia’s joining the European Union due to its important role in the stabilisation and establishment of democratic order on the Western Balkans. He also pointed out that the signing of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, will be immediately followed by European Union’s concrete aid to Serbia’s development. Ranieri was particularly interested in Serbia’s relations with neighbouring countries and its positions on the solution of the Kosovo and Metohia issue, again reiterating Italy’s support of finding a compromise solution that will take into consideration Serbia’s interests as well.

Chairman Micunovic informed his guest that Serbia’s relations with the neighbouring countries are improving, especially on the economic level, but that the issue of the return of exiles into their homes still remains open with some of them. Stressing that he shares the international community’s concerns for the security in the region, Micunovic stated that in the negotiations on the future status of Kosovo and Metohia a compromise, sustainable solution must be found which will guarantee the stability of both the region and Europe as a whole for a longer period.