The Commission deliberated on Serbia-Russia interparliamentary cooperation in bilateral and multilateral form, presented by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Prof. Dr Zarko Obradovic, Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, Industry, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Sergei Zhigarev and Deputy Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on Control and Regulations Valerii Ivanov.

The Chairman of the National Assembly Committee on Kosovo-Metohija and Head of the PFG with Russia MA Milovan Drecun and the member of the Russian State Duma Committee on Defence Pavel Dorokhin spoke about combating modern challenges and threats, finding ways to create a new defence system and fighting for the fundamental principles of international law, including addressing the Kosovo issue.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Prof. Dr Vladimir Marinkovic and the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Energy Pavel Zavalnyl spoke at the third panel on Serbia-Russia cooperation in the field of energy, including the use of nuclear energy forpeaceful purposes based on tried and tested innovation technologies as a factor of strengthening ties between the two countries.

Finally, Culture and Information Committee Chairman Mirko Krlic and the Chairperson of the State Duma Committee on Culture Elena Iamopolskaya spoke about cultural cooperation, scientific and youth exchanges.

Following the discussion, co-chair Djordje Milicevic gave a brief rundown of the topics addressed at the session. He stressed that interparliamentary relations, as a direct form of cooperation between the representatives of the people, are very important for the advancement of overall cooperation between the two countries. Bilateral and multilateral cooperation is extensive, he said, and very successful, adding that the recommendation is to continue to advance the parliamentary relations especially in the case of standing delegations to international parliamentary institutions which should continue to consult, join and coordinate efforts.

“Speaking of cooperation in combating modern challenges and threats, it is important to abide by the norms and principles of international law, and Russia’s principled support of Serbia in the matter of Kosovo-Metohija which affirms its role as the keeper and builder of a more just world order. We have highlighted Serbia’s efforts to find a sustainable solution and expressed concern over Pristina’s decision to radicalize relations with Belgrade to the detriment of the dialogue which Belgrade is pushing for”, said the co-chair.

Milicevic added that Serbia is thankful for the Russian Federation’s support on the bilateral and multilateral scene and for showing its understanding for Serbia’s position by abiding by international law and not recognizing the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo-Metohija.

Milicevic went on to say that in the discussion on energy cooperation and the use of nuclear energy forpeaceful purposes based on tried and tested innovation technologies, the panellists focused on the ample capacities to expand said cooperation. They highlighted the importance of the TurkStream project, renewed cooperation in the field of nuclear energy and the ample potential to use it forpeaceful purposes. Speaking of cultural cooperation, the participants agreed that the ample and varied cultural cooperation should be continued and it would be a good idea to found a Serbian cultural centre in Russia.

Melnikov said that the Commission’s fourth session re-asserted the highest form of cooperation between the National Assembly and the State Duma. The parliamentarians came to common conclusions on the most important global political, economic and cultural matters and re-affirmed the development of strategic partnership between the two countries.