The officials agreed that an overall improvement of parliamentary cooperation is essential for better understanding between states, especially in view of parliamentarians’ participation in the work of international organisations. They also opined that the overall bilateral relations, especially in the spheres of economy and politics, are at a very high level, but that there is room to intensify parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Prof. Dr Zarko Obradovic said that EU accession is one of Serbia’s foreign policy goals and priorities and that the country truly appreciates Austria’s support of these efforts. He stressed that Serbia is well aware that Europe has problems, but is ready to continue opening negotiation chapters. He stated that Serbia would like Europe to be clear on the timelines for further enlargement and asked the Austrian colleague to help prevent the application of double standards on Serbia.

The officials also discussed the migrant crisis, fight against terrorism, relationship between Serbia and the Russian Federation, as well as the continuation of dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and the implementation of the Brussels Agreement.

Chairman Obradovic said that the majority of Serbia’s foreign trade is done with the EU member states and the countries in the region, but the country also has good and traditionally friendly relations with Russia.

“We have traditionally good relations with Russia, it is a country that supports Serbia in international organizations on all issues of interest for Serbia. No one would give up such support”, Obradovic concluded.

He also reminded the guest that Serbia has made the decision to talk to Pristina and is implementing the Brussels Agreement, but the Albanian side has yet to do anything about the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Second President of the Austrian National Council Karlheinz Kopf said that Austria supports Serbia’s European integration process and that he is pleased that the country’s EU talks have begun. He restated that Austria would continue to support Serbia’s European path and thanked the country for the understanding it has for EU’s problems which affect the pace of the accession process. Kopf said that the reason for his visit was to better understand Serbia’s position on the dialogue with Pristina and urged for its continuation.

The meeting was attended by Foreign Affairs Committee member Prof. Dr Ljubisa Stojmirovic.