Snezana Paunovic opined that it would be excellent to further the cooperation between Serbia and Japan in this jubilee year which marks 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. She said that there is room to improve interparliamentary cooperation through the activities and exchange of visits of delegations of the two parliaments’ friendship groups.

Referring to the high level of economic relations between Serbia and Japan, Ambassador Katsumata pointed out that the conditions for investment in Serbia are very good due to its favourable geostrategic position and highly qualified workforce.

Briefing the Japanese Ambassador on the situation in Kosovo-Metohija, the National Assembly Deputy Speaker pointed out that the conciliatory tone of the Serbian leadership, headed by President Aleksandar Vucic, is not met with understanding by Pristina which is creating a crisis situation with its dangerous rhetoric. Paunovic added that Serbia is making efforts to protect its citizens in Kosovo-Metohija, as well as all other vulnerable citizens. She thanked Japan for its objective view of the situation in the southern Serbian province.

In the course of the meeting the officials also assessed the importance of regional cooperation and European integration of the Western Balkans, with a special focus the "Open Balkans" initiative as a good example of encouraging regional cooperation.