Ambassador Kupresak noted that in the relations between Serbia and Croatia in the last four years, which was his mandate in Belgrade, a lot has changed and regular and frequent meetings between the two countries’ high and highest-level state officials have become common, adding that he was personally proud at such a positive development in the relations. Kupresak said that Croatia’s accession to the European Union marks a new phase in the relations between the two countries, adding that they should first and foremost think about the future. The Croatian Ambassador stressed that he is a big advocate of Serbia’s European integration and that Croatia would continue to fully support Serbia in the process, opining that Serbia’s stability and prosperity is in the entire region’s interest, Croatia’s included. Speaking of the open issues in the two countries’ relations, Kupresak said he expected them to be resolved to the benefit of the people living in Serbia and Croatia, adding that Croatia has not done everything for the return of Croatian citizens of Serbian nationality due to the economic situation and hoping that a compromise solution would be reached because human rights are indivisible. The Croatian Ambassador again invited the National Assembly Speaker to visit Croatia and establish closer ties between the parliamentarian committees where the Croatian Parliament i.e. the relevant committees could share their experience of the European Union talks.
The National Assembly Speaker said that he had met the Croatian Parliament Speaker on several occasions and congratulated Croatia on its accession to the European Union. Stefanovic noted that the two countries’ relations have been burdened by open issues, but what is important is that those issues are being addressed. The Assembly Speaker emphasised the fact that Croatia’s road to the European Union should be followed, adding that, besides European integration, regional cooperation, stability and economic perspective are among Serbia’s priorities. Stefanovic opined that it is time to start thinking about a joint venture onto third markets as far as economy is concerned, adding that cooperation as regards European integration is also important since 140 thousand pages in more than 10 thousand documents need to be harmonised with the European Union member states.
The National Assembly Speaker added that the National Assembly would take a pro-active role in the European integration. Saying that regional initiatives and joint ventures based on a minimum of common interest of everyone in the region have been to everyone’s benefit, he concluded that despite the obstacles and the past the conditions are right for successful cooperation.
Stefanovic accepted the invitation to come and visit Zagreb, adding that Croatia’s experience of the European Union talks would be greatly beneficial for the Serbian Parliament.