Andrijana Avramov said that the bilateral relations between the two countries are good and friendly and that the closeness of the two peoples stems from the fact that they shared the same fate and suffering in World War II. She stressed that Serbia remains committed to preserving and strengthening the traditional friendship with the Jewish people, as evidenced by the fact that the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic was the only president who marked the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz. In light of this, Andrijana Avramov expressed her hope that Israel would reconsider its decision to recognise the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called State of Kosovo, stressing that Belgrade remains committed to the policy of peace and is open to dialogue with Pristina.

Avramov believes that parliamentary cooperation could make a major contribution to the additional strengthening of relations between the two countries by intensifying the exchange of visits at the highest level and the cooperation of the two parliaments’ working bodies. She also emphasised the importance of cooperation on the multilateral level.

The Deputy Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Serbia Alexandra Ben Ari agreed that the cooperation between parliamentary friendship groups can significantly strengthen the relations between the two countries. She believes that a special effort should be invested into strengthening cooperation through sports and above all the cooperation of young people, because this is the best way for the two peoples to get closer and get to know each other, as well as exchange good practice examples from their respective branches. Ben Ari expressed her satisfaction with the introduction of a direct flight on the Israel-Serbia route which will facilitate the implementation of all of the above.

Ben Ari also spoke of Serbia’s the exceptional economic progress, stressing Israeli investors are very interested in investments, as evidenced by the fact that they come and stay to work in Serbia.

PFG member Natasa Tasic Knezevic emphasised the importance of cultural cooperation, stressing that culture speaks a universal language and as such represents the best way to unite the two peoples and allow them to learn more about one another. As an opera artist, she had some suggestions about how to improve cultural cooperation between Serbia and Israel and within it empower young people and women in culture.