The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Dragoljub Micunovic received today at the National Assembly House the Speaker of Parliament of the Kingdom of Norway Thorbjørn Jagland, with whom he spoke of the bilateral relations and cooperation between the two friendly countries and nations.

In the talk, they pointed out that Serbia needs to join European integration as soon as possible and stated a joint estimate that the European Union does not show enough appreciation for the effort Serbia makes on that road.

The Norwegian Parliament Speaker expressed his pleasure at the level of democratisation Serbia has achieved in its political life and its pro-European orientation.

Chairman Micunovic restated the close and friendly relations between the two people, established during World War Two, stressing that the Norwegian Government, in addition to humanitarian aid, has continued to help Serbia in the creation of democratic institutions and reform of the defense and police systems, as well as through support programmes for Assembly working bodies.

They also talked about the role the Council of Europe plays in the legislative reform of societies in transition, particularly considering Parliament Speaker Jagland’s nomination for Secretary-General of the Council of Europe Assembly.

The officials exchanged opinions concerning Kosovo-Metohija, some current international issues and especially Russia’s new role.