On Friday, 29 January, the Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technological Development Srboljub Zivanovic talked to H. E. Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic to Serbia Majed Shadoud, at the National Assembly House.

Both sides agreed that scientific cooperation would lead to the improvement of all other types of cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Syrian Arab Republic. Ambassador Shadoud expressed his belief that the development of relations and exchange of experience on the parliamentary level, their working bodies and establishment of friendship groups would reinforce the two countries’ overall relations. The meeting particularly focused on the favourable cooperation between Serbia and Syria in the sphere of education, highlighting the need for cooperation in the spheres of agriculture and energy production, which would lead to increased commercial exchange. Ambassador Shadoud relayed his country’s position on the renewal of the agreement in the sphere of science and culture, as well as the agreement in the field of economy and cooperation on the level of universities.

The Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technical Development noted the existence of mutual interest to realise various types of cooperation between Syria and Serbia and briefed the Ambassador on the National Strategy of Scientific Development, with a particular focus on the importance of sharing experience in the fields of biomedicine, environmental protection, agriculture, information technologies and energy.

On 1 February, the Head of the Democratic Party of Serbia – Vojislav Kostunica Deputy Group, Milos Aligrudic talked to Syrian Ambassador Shadoud about the two countries’ relations and the potential for their further improvement. Both agreed that the relations between Serbia and Syria are good, but that the level of overall cooperation should be raised in the upcoming period. It is in the both countries’ interest to deepen not only political cooperation, but economic, cultural and parliamentary as well. Friendship groups play a key role in the development of parliamentary cooperation and improvement of relations between two countries, which is why they are currently being formed in both the Syrian and Serbian Parliament, it was said.

Milos Aligrudic pointed out that the Democratic Party of Serbia considers it important that Serbia, as a whole, progresses towards Eurointegration, but also believes that, for economic reasons, it is in Serbia’s interest to develop cooperation with countries outside of Europe as well. Strengthening economic cooperation with Syria can lead to an increased foreign trade balance between the two countries and engagement of Serbian companies in Syria, Aligrudic stated, announcing that the National Assembly is soon expected to ratify several significant cooperation agreements between the Republic of Serbia and the Syrian Arab Republic.

On 2 February, the Chairman of the Agriculture Committee Zoran Masic and Deputy Chairman of the Agriculture Committee Sinisa Stamenkovic talked to H. E. Ambassador of the Syrian Arab Republic to Serbia Majed Shadoud about the prospects for future cooperation between Serbia and Syria in the sphere of agriculture.

Committee Chairman Masic briefed the guest on the conditions in and potential for agricultural production and development in Serbia, stressing that Serbia has over 4 million acres of arable land. Masic pointed out that the National Assembly adopted about 15 laws important for agricultural production last year, and was expected to pass about ten legal documents, all harmonised with the European Union regulations and directives, this year. Long-term tendencies of agricultural development in Serbia lie along growing grains, industrial plants, vegetables and, recently, increased fruit production, Masic added.

Ambassador Shadoud noted a considerable potential for exchange of experience and deepening cooperation on all levels. He added that the deputies of the Syrian Parliament who had launched the initiative to found a friendship group with Serbian parliamentarians have, for the most part, completed their academic studies at the Belgrade University. That provides a solid basis for a continuation and improvement of the traditionally favourable relations between the two countries, Shadoud added.

The hosts thanked Ambassador Shadoud for the principled position the Syrian Arab Republic has taken on the issue of Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Both sides agreed that parliaments play a key role in developing and strengthening the relations between the two countries with the goal of expanding economic, industrial and scientific and technological relations.