The Head of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Norway Dragan Jovanovic and the PFG members met with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to the Republic of Serbia Kristin Melsom.
Jovanovic said how very pleased he was with the meeting and the opportunity to exchange experiences and help further the cooperation between the National Assembly and the Norwegian Embassy. He stressed that the relations between the two countries have a long tradition of friendship, dating back to a period of great suffering, and that these relations have withstood the test of time despite occasional differences of opinion.
He recalled that Serbia and the Kingdom of Norway will mark 110 years of diplomatic relations next year. In that context, he pointed out the sensitivity of the information that Norway is planning to erect a monument to the victims of the genocide in Srebrenica, and asked to, if possible, reconsider the name of the monument, namely the use of the term "genocide".
Ambassador Melsom assessed that bilateral relations are at a very good level. She particularly praised the Norwegian language education programme in Serbia, as well as the cooperation so far, noting that there is significant room for further improvement of economic relations.
She emphasised that Norway strongly supports Serbia's European path, which is reflected in its long-standing support through numerous projects and forms of cooperation. She said that, despite differences on certain important issues, such as the status of Kosovo-Metohija, Norway considers Serbia a friendly country and remains committed to further strengthening overall bilateral relations.
Speaking about the situation in Kosovo-Metohija, Jovanovic appealed to Norway to, in accordance with its reputation and influence, contribute to the protection of the Serbian population and cultural and religious heritage.
The meeting was also attended by PFG members Dr Nada Macura, Ivan Karic, Nikola Radosavljevic, Ivan Rajicic, Stasa Stojanovic, Dubravka Kralj, Sanja Calovic and Marko Milosevic.
In the course of the meeting, the officials discussed topics of common interest, including the healthcare system in Norway, opportunities for improving foreign trade, experiences in the field of digitalisation, as well as issues of children's rights and strengthening cooperation between respective parliamentary committees.
