Ambassador Bassiouny informed the National Assembly Speaker about the current situation in Egypt, especially as regards the parliamentary elections. Opining that Egypt is going through a period of democratic transformation, Ambassador Bassiouny thanked for the support and cooperation he had as Ambassador to Serbia.
National Assembly Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic expressed hope that Egypt would soon complete the transformation process which would, first of all, result in better lives for its citizens, and that, after the elections, the two countries’ parliamentary cooperation would be successfully continued. Stefanovic emphasised the long-standing, historically friendly relations between the two countries and nations, expressing full support for Egypt and the citizens of that country which the citizens of Serbia consider friendly.
Deeming the cooperation between Serbia and Egypt very successful in the previous period, Ambassador Bassiouny reminded of the numerous business, political and parliamentary contacts, as well as reciprocal state visits at the highest level. Serbia has proved itself a true friend to Egypt, concluded Bassiouny adding that he is sure that the relationship would continue to deepen in future.
Ambassador Bassiouny also expressed expectation that the dialogue between the representatives of Serbia and Pristina in Brussels would bear fruit and the resulting agreement would ensure peace and safety in the region, adding that Egypt follows the negotiations closely and hopes for a successful outcome.
Speaker Stefanovic said that Serbia is determined to resolve the issue via the negotiations which have entered a stage in which Pristina should be pressed to accept a compromise as regards the Community of Serbian Municipalities in the north of Kosovo, which is a huge step for both sides and would, if taken, mark a resolution which would stabilise the situation. Adding that everything is now in Pristina’s hands as Serbia has demonstrated enough will to make a compromise, Stefanovic added that Egypt’s position is very important for Serbia, not to recognise the independence of Kosovo despite the many pressures to do so.
Thanking the officials again for the cooperation, Ambassador Bassiouny said that he is sure that he had been accepted as a true friend to Serbia.