Today, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Prof Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic received a delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina comprising Beriz Belkic, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the BH Parliamentary Assembly and Mladen Ivanic, Chairman of the House of Peoples of the BH Parliamentary Assembly.

In the talk, they pointed out the great potential for furthering parliamentary and overall cooperation between the two countries. Both sides deemed the visit important for the improvement of the climate in the two countries’ relations which should be grounded in international standards and mutual respect.

Meetings and talks between parliamentarians were also deemed important for the development of parliamentary diplomacy as the experiences from these contacts can help the institutions function better. The need to intensify cooperation via friendship groups and assembly committees was emphasised, particularly in the case of foreign affairs and European integration committees.

The National Assembly Speaker briefed the guests on Serbia’s principal state goals, stressing that good relations between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are important for the stability of the region and the change of its image. She supported the initiative to hold regional parliamentarian meetings.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives, Beriz Belkic believes that the two parliaments should influence their state presidents and governments to establish a dialogue as soon as possible and solve some open issues between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (the state border, return of refugees, property etc.). The Chairman of the House of Peoples, Mladen Ivanic pointed out that Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina must make the effort to create a positive ambience in the region in order to facilitate and expediate European integration.

The officials deemed that European integration and emerging from the economic crisis are common goals and that the two countries should cooperate in reaching them, as well as cooperate in international organisations and institutions.