National Assembly Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic expressed his pleasure at the meeting, emphasising the long-standing and historically good relations between the two countries. According to Stefanovic, economy and parliamentary cooperation are a significant current aspect of bilateral relations.

Stefanovic went on to say that the Serbian Parliament’s current legislature has, since the start, been working on active communication in the international framework, conveying basic messages about the parliament as the cornerstone of democracy in society, the parliament’s transparency and, most importantly, the control role the parliament exercises over the executive via its relevant committees.

The National Assembly Speaker informed his guest on the activities and intensified cooperation with relevant independent institutions, as well as the capacities for cooperation with the international community, where the parliamentary cooperation puts emphasis on the exchange of experiences. In light of this, Stefanovic initiated more intensive cooperation and contacts with the French Parliament, especially regarding Euro-integration.

Again stressing the historic relations between Serbia and France, Stefanovic proposed expanding the scope of cultural cooperation, considering that French culture used to have a significant influence on Serbia.

Ambassador Deniau congratulated Speaker Stefanovic on his election, since this was their first official meeting since the beginning of the current assembly legislature’s mandate, and agreed with the comment that the two countries enjoy long-term friendly relations. The French Ambassador pointed out that ,despite France’s more considerable distance from Serbia, than, for example Italy and Germany, France has a significant presence in Serbia as regards economic cooperation and investment. Supporting Serbia’s Euro-integration process, Ambassador Deniau added that his country is, along with Germany, an active participant in the realisation of the European Union’s policy toward the Western Balkans.

The officials jointly noted that the commemoration of important dates in the two countries’ joint, allied history should be organised better and in accordance with tradition. They also agreed that parliamentary friendship groups are a significant form of cooperation.

Ambassador Deniau showed interest in the Kosovo-Metohija platform and the Assembly’s session on the matter. Speaker Stefanovic briefed his guest on the course of the debate on the issue and informed him that the adopted document is public.