The officials noted that the bilateral relations between Serbia and Romania are friendly and very close. The observance of the rights of the Romanian minority is Serbia and Serbian minority in Romania is especially important for two neighbouring countries as it brings them closer together. Serbia enjoys total freedom in declaring ethnicity and all ethnic minorities, just like the Romanian, enjoy all rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, it was said.

Chairman Micunovic stressed that Serbia appreciates Romania’s support of Serbia’s EU candidacy as well as Romania’s principled position as regards the non-recognition of Kosovo.

Titus Corlatean said that Romania believes Serbia the key country in the region and supports its European road. He announced that the Romanian parliament’s Senate is expected to soon ratify the Stabilisation and Association Agreement thus finalising the ongoing procedure. He also mentioned the issue of the ethnic status of the Vlachs in eastern Serbia, as well as the disputes between the Serbian Orthodox Church and Romanian Orthodox Church.

Micunovic underlined the freedom of any Serbian citizen to declare their ethnic and religious identity and the need for dialogue on all the issues.

The head of the parliamentary friendship group with Romania Sinisa Stamenkovic took part in the meeting.