Prof. Dr Zarko Obradovic, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, greeted the UK Parliamentary delegation, glad for the opportunity to discuss Serbia’s progress toward European integration, the country’s foreign policy and the work of the Committee he heads. Obradovic stressed that EU accession is Serbia’s number one foreign policy goal, which is a long process reflecting the country’s need to adjust its national legislation to the EU acquis and provide its citizens with a better standard of living.

“I believe the European Union itself faces certain internal troubles it needs to resolve, some of which concern the UK”, stressed Obradovic.

The members of the UK Parliamentary delegation were interested in the nature of Serbia’s relationship with the leading world powers such as China, Russia and the US, in view of the fact that Serbia is an EU candidate state.

The Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman said he sees no problem in Serbia maintaining good relations with any of the world powers. He said that about 85% of Serbia’s foreign trade is done with EU member states and members of CEFTA. “We have to develop good foreign relations with all the countries. I believe that Serbia will become an EU member state, but Serbia has strategic partnerships with countries not in the EU”.

The officials also discussed the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee, close cooperation with the countries in the region, common economic interests, combating terrorism and the migrant crisis.

Speaking about Kosovo-Metohija, Obradovic stressed that it is imperative that Pristina implements the Brussels Agreement.

The meeting was also attended by MP Stefana Miladinovic, while the delegation of the UK Parliament’s House of Lords comprised Lord Howell of Guildford, Baroness Hilton of Eggardon, Lord Purvis of Tweed and Lord Wood of Anfield.