Speaker Stefanovic welcomed the German parliamentary delegation saying he was glad that they had come to visit a mere month after the constitution of the 18th Bundestag legislature. He believes that this shows that Serbia is on Germany’s list of priorities and that there is interest to continue expanding the cooperation between the parliaments, especially via the parliamentary committees and friendship groups. The two countries’ international cooperation is especially important in view of Serbia’s Euro-integration process which the entire country, said Stefanovic, is deeply involved in. He stressed that Serbia considers its progress to the European Union very important, first and foremost because of its citizens and what it might do to improve their living standards.
Stefanovic stressed that Germany’s support would be extremely important for Serbia because it would send a message of encouragement to the Serbian people which is very important at the moment as Serbia is approaching the decision to hold an Intergovernmental conference of the beginning of EU talks, which will hopefully be made on 20 December at the meeting of the European Council. Speaker Stefanovic said he was pleased by the European Commission’s positive Report on Serbia’s progress, adding he considered the part of the report giving a positive assessment of the National Assembly’s work, especially the segment on transparency, adoption of several important systemic laws harmonising the national legislation with the European acquis and the noticeable improvement of the procedure of parliamentary oversight over the executive, particularly significant.
The member of the German Bundestag, Maria Flachsbarth said she understood how difficult the road Serbia is to traverse was because Germany had, at one point, gone down it too, stressing how much effort it took to achieve the final goal.
The National Assembly Speaker briefed the Bundestag delegation on the establishment of the Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, adding that some important starting points for the EU talks have also been defined.
Commenting on the current situation in Kosovo-Metohija, Speaker Stefanovic reminded that the signing of the Brussels Agreement has marked a turning point in the pursuit of a sustainable solution, acceptable to all sides, which is something the Republic of Serbia is fully and consistently dedicated to. Therefore, the Parliament Speaker asked the German side for support in the realisation of the rights of the Serbian community in Kosovo-Metohija in light of Germany’s presence in the international missions in Kosovo-Metohija, and the authority the country enjoys in the international community. Stefanovic opined that the Serbian Government is making considerable efforts to make sure the provisions of the Brussels Agreement are implemented in the field which Serbia, as a signatory, is duty-bound to do.
Readiness to tirelessly proceed with the reforms, important for both the country and its citizens, and especially their safety and guarantee of normal life, remains Serbia’s goal, said Stefanovic.
The member of the German Bundestag, Maria Flachsbarth informed the National Assembly Speaker about the internship programme and 5 scholarships for Serbian students, saying she was pleased that the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia decided to receive two German students. The officials agreed that reciprocal cooperation between the two parliaments will help the two nations learn more about one another.
“Your young people are magnificent and this is a magnificent country,” concluded the Bundestag MP at the end of the meeting with Speaker Stefanovic.