The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic received the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Congo Boshab Mabuj-Ma–Bilenge, also Secretary General of the ruling Congolese People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy.

The NARS Speaker extended condolences to the Congolese National Assembly Speaker on yesterday’s plane crash that claimed the lives of 32 people.

The officials agreed that parliamentary diplomacy is gaining significance and that the elected representatives of the citizens are the ones whose parliamentary diplomacy contributes to bringing nations closer together. Boshab proposed the creation of friendship groups in the Serbian and Congolese parliaments so that parliamentarians could contribute to strengthen bilateral relations via various activities. “Political cooperation has never been brought into question”, said the Congolese Parliament Speaker, adding that one of the goals of his visit is to entice economic cooperation. Boshab invited Serbian investors to help reconstruct DR Congo whose legislation is also aimed at attracting foreign investors.

The Speakers agreed on the need for mutual support in international delegations, so the NARS Speaker expressed hope that the Serbian and Congolese parliamentary delegations would consult on further steps in their parliamentary cooperation at the IPU Assembly session in Panama.

Djukic-Dejanovic thanked the Congolese people on their principled non-recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo-Metohija and compliance with international law and the UN Charter which is an expression of true friendship between the two nations. “We share Serbia’s position on Kosovo-Metohija”, stressed the Congolese National Assembly Speaker.

Regarding the recent statement the Liberal Democratic Party Parliamentary Group Head Cedomir Jovanovic made at the NARS Session held on 22 March 2011, Boshab said that it is unacceptable for the African people that anyone might insult their dignity. The Speaker again expressed her regret and stressed that the NARS and the Republic of Serbia have condemned the incident. “Solitary incidents, condemned by the state should not be considered our country’s official position and should not block the further development of our bilateral relations”, stressed Djukic-Dejanovic.