Ambassador Hamlaoui emphasised the high quality and continuity of bilateral relations, especially in the political dimension. He stated that the Tunisian side believes Serbia to be a regionally significant partner and informed the Speaker of the interest to maintain a high level of relations. He also informed him that Tunisia will continue to maintain its position of principled support of Serbia as regards Kosovo-Metohija and Serbia’s territorial integrity, endorsing the dialogue and hoping that it would result in a mutually acceptable solution. The Ambassador informed the Speaker that his mandate would be directed toward improving economic cooperation, since, according to him, the level of political relations is very high. As regards interparliamentary cooperation, he reminded that a Constitutional Assembly is currently in session in Tunisia with specific mandates, so parliamentary cooperation is put on hold until the new elections. However, Ambassador Hamlaoui expects that the establishment of the regular assembly in Tunisia will be followed by reciprocal visits, also expressing his gratitude for the creation of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Tunisia at the Serbian Parliament.
Speaker Stefanovic was pleased to meet with the Ambassador, agreeing with his estimate of the achieved level of political relations based the two countries traditional friendship. He strongly endorsed the future development of economic cooperation. Stefanovic was especially grateful for Tunisia’s principled support as regards Kosovo-Metohija, declaring that this type of cooperation would help find a sustainable and just solution. He emphasised Serbia’s commitment to resolve the issue via dialogue, pointing out the need to institutionalise the protection of the rights of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija. He expressed readiness to promote interparliamentary cooperation once the requisites for it are met in Tunisia.
Speaker Stefanovic also urged to boost cultural cooperation, since getting to know one another is the basis of overall bilateral relations.
The Tunisian Ambassador pointed out that the good political positions are additionally supported by multilateral cooperation, highlighting the importance of the political signals of support in the solution of the Palestinian issue, as well as the promotion of cooperation with Arab countries and countries of the Persian Gulf, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar. He also agreed with the statement about the importance of improving interparliamentary cooperation via meetings at the highest level, as well as through cooperation of working bodies. As regards cultural cooperation, the Tunisian Ambassador informed Speaker Stefanovic about the initiative to organise a Tunisian Culture Week in Serbia.