The officials highlighted the long-standing relationship and cooperation between Serbia and the UK as evidenced by the fact that this year marks 180 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the extensive parliamentary cooperation.

Gojkovic said that though the delegation comes from a country now leaving the EU she would like to take the opportunity to say that Serbia is committed to European integration and the reforms this entails, and in that context it is important that the European Union, after Brexit and all the other challenges it is faced with, has not given up on the enlargement policy.

Gojkovic said that Serbia is dedicated to regional cooperation and maintenance of regional stability, and its parliament plays an extremely important role in it by taking part in all regional initiatives as well as in the development of bilateral relations with the other countries in the region at the level of parliament speakers, working bodies and women’s parliamentary networks.

John Whittingdale, member the House of Commons heading the delegation, said even though it is leaving the European Union, the UK understands why the European integration process is so important for Serbia, and by organizing next year’s summit of Western Balkan countries in London the UK confirms its commitment to the progress and cooperation of the region.

Whittingdale said that, as a parliamentarian, he recognizes the significance of the parliament’s role, interparliamentary cooperation and exchange of experiences and emphasized the importance of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Week in that context.

The delegation members – representatives of the UK House of Lords and House of Commons, David Drew, Baroness D’Souza, Baroness Northover and Baroness Barker, had questions about regional cooperation, the role the parliament and the women’s parliamentary network play in it, and the inclusion of young people in parliamentary life.