"We are constantly improving our dialogue, dialogue at the parliamentary level included," said Dr Orlic. Announcing the imminent formation of a Parliamentary Friendship Group with Canada in the new Assembly legislature, Orlic expressed his belief that it would be as numerous and active as the previous one.

He stressed that Serbia is committed to the further development and strengthening of economic relations with Canada. "It is very important for us to show that our country is the best place for investments in this part of Europe. I welcome the fact that one of the embassy's priorities is to inform Canadian businessmen on the economic situation in Serbia and best investment conditions which only improve over time. The "Open Balkans" initiative, which is already producing results, is an excellent proof of this," said Dr Orlic adding that this project, originating from Serbia and President Aleksandar Vucic, aims to make the entire region, not only our country, more attractive for new investments. He welcomed all past and future Canadian investments. "Our National Assembly is interested in cooperation on that and any other level, and would give its full contribution with the implementation of all of the most important elements of state policy: preservation of peace and stability for all, further development and economic growth”, said the Assembly Speaker.

Ambassador Norman opined that the relations between the two countries are good and that there is room for further improvement. As he pointed out, Canada's priorities are the security and stability of the Western Balkans, in which Serbia, as the economic centre of the region, plays a constructive role. He praised the "Open Balkans" initiative, which benefits the entire region. "The opening of the market is of interest to every member country of this initiative and the abolition of borders would speed up the integration of the entire region into the European Union," said Ambassador Norman.

Dr Orlic thanked Canada for the support it provides to Serbia on its European path, stressing that EU membership is our national policy’s strategic commitment. "Without waiting for the formal realisation of the processes related to the European perspective, we are already working to ensure better living conditions for our people, as well as for work and business in this part of Europe. That is where the "Open Balkans" initiative stems from. Through this project, we are building the best possible relations in the region, which is very important considering that Pristina puts peace and stability at risk almost every day. And while Belgrade advocates dialogue, the Pristina side flagrantly violates all agreements and goes so far as to endanger the physical security of the Serbian people in Kosovo-Metohija. It is clear that we are the side that is trying to preserve peace", the Serbian Assembly Speaker pointed out, adding that for almost ten years Pristina has refused to fulfil its most basic obligation from the Brussels Agreement and set up a Community of Serb Municipalities. "It is important that we talk about it in an open, fair and clear way. Today, everyone can see that the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, has fundamentally contributed to reducing tensions in Kosovo-Metohija and finding a compromise solution, while Pristina is doing the opposite," said Dr Orlic.

Ambassador Norman welcomed President Vucic's commitment to dialogue, stressing that Serbia's commitment to peace is extremely important. He underlined that the role of the KFOR mission in Kosovo would continue to aim for the preservation of peace and stability.