The Head of Parliamentary Friendship Group Bosko Ristic stressed that Serbia greatly appreciates its cooperation with Germany as one of the most important states of the European Union adding that Serbian parliamentarians were interested in developing a comprehensive cooperation with their German counterparts.

Bosko Ristic said that accession to the European Union and acceptance of the value system incumbent in that membership is Serbia’s foreign policy priority. That road is not simple, said Ristic, but Serbia’s activities send a clear message of its wish to be an agent of peace, stability and security in both the region and Europe. Bosko Ristic briefed the guests on the reform of the political system in Serbia highlighting the National Assembly’s important role in it. He said that the amendments to the Rules of Procedure increased the efficiency and improved the operation of the National Assembly. He said that the amendments to the Law on Election of Deputies abolished blank resignations and strengthened the role of the MPs in the decision-making process, while limiting the use of immunity prevented its abuse and increased the accountability of public officials.

In order to strengthen its control and oversight role, the National Assembly created independent regulatory bodies which have gained considerable credibility in Serbian society as their recommendations contributed to changes in the system, said Bosko Ristic. He added that the National Assembly supports service was also improved in the previous period and the assembly committees’ control role was to be strengthened further.

He also stated that Serbia would continue to implement reform aimed at modernizing and democratizing the society and strengthening the institutions.

MP Kai Gehring said that the reason behind the delegation’s visit was the realisation of the support programme awarded by the German Bundestag to international students. He also announced that five students form Serbia can expect to be awarded the scholarship next year as well thus getting the opportunity to learn about the Bundestag’s work.

The German parliamentarian commended the reform in Serbia and asked about the situation in the field of human rights. Bosko Ristic responded that there was no systemic violation of human rights in Serbia and that there were mechanisms for their protection, but that some cases of discrimination against minority groups, such as banning the Pride Parade, were the consequence of deep rooted prejudice used for political purposes.