At the beginning of the meeting, Luksic underlined the support Serbia and Montenegro offer one another as regards regional cooperation and European integration.
National Assembly Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic was pleased by the understanding of the importance of the two countries’ bilateral relations Luksic exhibited during his visit to Belgrade, stressing the significance of bilateral cooperation which both countries dedicate considerable attention to. Stefanovic added that he hoped to soon continue parliamentary cooperation and meet with the Montenegrin Assembly Speaker Ranko Krivokapic, followed by a return visit to Montenegro. Deeming the two countries’ relations are showing a serious growth trend, Stefanovic added that the infrastructure modernisation projects would have a significant impact on the states’ economies. The National Assembly Speaker also stressed that the understanding between Serbia and Montenegro is much better today, adding that if governments are the ties between countries, then parliaments are the ties between nations. Stefanovic said he hoped that Luksic’s visit to Belgrade was successful and that parliamentary cooperation would become stronger in future.
Montenegrin Deputy Prime Minister Igor Luksic thanked Speaker Stefanovic for his assessment, noting that there is no doubt that the relations between the two countries are excellent, but at the same time adding that they should work in the interest of the two countries’ citizens since they are in direct connection. He opined that the handing over of the documents on the European Union acquis communautaire given to him by the Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Suzana Grubjesic is a symbolic gesture speaking of the countries’ joint progress toward the European Union, as well as the fact that the exchange of experiences would be very useful. Luksic believes that what Serbia has achieved so far is proof that it is ready to open negotiations with the European Union. Hoping for better cooperation between the parliaments, Luksic added that several new ideas have emerged in the course of his visit in the spheres of economy, stressing the importance of activating a mixed commission. Luksic declared the idea of entering third markets good, especially fast-growing economy markets. The Euro-integration progress, said Luksic, strengthens the governments’ integrity, however, economic issues are crucial for the citizens of a country.
As one of the opportunities for economic cooperation, Speaker Stefanovic mentioned tourism, especially directed toward big markets such as China and Japan where the two countries could make a joint tourist offer.