Congratulating Speaker Stefanovic on his election, Ambassador Varso deemed that there are no open issues in the relations between Serbia and Slovakia, adding that Slovakia has always supported Serbia’s EU integration process.

Ambassador Varso listed Slovakia’s three basic goals in its relations with Serbia: support and assistance of Serbia’s EU integration process where Slovakia can offer its experience in the process. The second goal is strengthening economic cooperation because good political relations should be accompanied by good economic cooperation. The third goal, according to Ambassador Varso, is a considerable advantage for the two countries’ relations, namely it is the Slovak minority loyal to Serbia and fully integrated into society. He was pleased to note that the development and protection of the Slovak cultural identity enjoys full support at both the republican and provincial level. The Slovak Ambassador was also pleased by the positive signs of cooperation with the new Serbian government and congratulated National Assembly Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic on the manner in which he is heading the Parliament.

Speaker Stefanovic thanked his guest for the congratulations assuring him that the Serbian side will continue cooperation with Slovakia and is also ready to expand the existing cooperation. Stefanovic gave thanks for the support Slovakia provides to Serbia on its way to the EU assuring the Ambassador that Slovakia’s principled position as regards the preservation of Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly regarding Kosovo-Metohija, is highly appreciated.

The National Assembly Speaker stressed that Serbia calls for adherence to Resolution 1244 and a safe life for all living in Kosovo-Metohija, fearing that current events and the end of the so-called supervised independence might lead to new instances of violence toward Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija.

Ambassador Varso stressed that Slovakia bases its stand on Kosovo-Metohija independence on the Parliament’s 2007 decision and will not change its principled position, noting that something like that would require the Parliament’s decision.