He added that Greece continues to support Serbia’s progress toward the European Union, stressing that official Athens would do all in its power to make sure the remaining integration into the European Union is as successful as possible.

His Excellency briefed the National Assembly Speaker on the current political situation in Greece and its efforts to overcome the economic crisis.

Ambassador Stoidis emphasised that Greece is one of five European Union countries which do not recognise the independence of Kosovo and that it would not change its position even though the economic crisis Greece is in has been used to exert pressure on official Athens to recognise the independence of Kosovo. In addition, stressed the Ambassador, Greece urges Serbia to continue the dialogue with Pristina even though, he says, normalisation of relations is interpreted differently in the European Union itself.

National Assembly Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic thanked the Ambassador, accepting the invitation for a return visit to the Hellenic Parliament. He briefly mentioned the historically friendly and politically close relations between the two countries and two people. Both noted the existence of formal conditions for the expansion of cooperation on all levels, including the parliamentary.

Speaker Stefanovic was grateful for the principled position of Greece as regards Kosovo-Metohija stressing that Serbia calls for adherence to international law. He assured his guest that Serbia would not change its policy toward Kosovo-Metohija and would never recognise the independence of Kosovo even though it is open for negotiations and wishes to ensure life and existence for Serbs in Kosovo, concluded Stefanovic. He added that Serbia recognises the agreements reached so far and expressed expectation that Greece would continue to be firm and assist the fight for adherence to international law.

Speaker Stefanovic briefed the guest on the initiative regarding the Parliament’s role in stimulating economic cooperation between the two countries and expressed expectation that the Serbian and Greek parliaments would help the two countries’ businessmen to open the doors of economic cooperation.