MP and Head of the ALEKSANDAR VUCIC – Serbia Must Not Stop Parliamentary Group Milenko Jovanov met today with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Republic of Serbia H.E. Martijn Elgersma. The meeting was held on the premises of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia in a spirit of mutual respect and open dialogue.
The talks focused on bilateral relations between Serbia and the Netherlands, Serbia’s European integration, as well as current political and social developments in the country and the region. Special attention was paid to the work of the National Assembly, investments, the economy, but also issues of the rule of law, media freedom and strengthening democracy.
MP Jovanov stressed that Serbia remains committed to the European integration process, but also to preserving its own sovereignty and the right to decide on key issues concerning its development and future. He stressed that dialogue with representatives of the European Union member states is essential for a better understanding of Serbia's position, as well as for creating real and sustainable partnerships. In response to the Ambassador's interest, Jovanov stated that the National Assembly has a lot of work ahead of it, alluding to the set of media laws that are in the procedure, the election of REM members, the possibility of opening Cluster 3, but also work on improving electoral processes and implementing ODIHR recommendations. He added that the ruling party and coalition support the work of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the policies of President Aleksandar Vucic, and that the National Assembly is a place for dialogue and all topics of importance to the Serbian people.
Elgersma expressed interest in the political dynamics in Serbia, as well as the reform processes that are part of the path to the European Union. He pointed out the importance of respecting democratic principles and an open political space for all actors, stating that there is no perfect method for implementing democracy. He also emphasised the readiness of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to support Serbia in implementing reforms, offering cooperation in the field of economy and trade, citing as an example the already well-established ties in the field of agriculture.
The Ambassador was also interested in Serbia's position on the issue of Kosovo-Metohija, as well as its position concerning the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also expressed interest as regards the alignment of foreign policy with EU foreign policy and close ties with Eastern countries. The MP replied that Kosovo-Metohija are an integral part of the Republic of Serbia and Albin Kurti's expulsion of Serbs from this area speaks in favour of the fact that he does not want dialogue, but rather represents an undermining of the instability of the region and sends a clear message of violation of international law. When asked about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Jovanov replied that Serbia respects its territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as the Dayton Agreement, including the rights of the entities. "We will always stand up for the protection of the rights of the Serbian people, wherever they live, including the right to be equal in decision-making," the MP explained. Speaking of the alignment of Serbia's foreign policy with the EU, Jovanov reminded that Serbia has been in the integration process for a very long time and that it cannot subordinate its state and national interests to a community of which it is not yet an integral part.
The officials agreed that there are concrete opportunities for improving cooperation between the two countries, both politically and economically. They also discussed possibilities for cooperation in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change, as well as understanding and exchange of experiences between the legislative bodies of Serbia and the Netherlands.
At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed their expectation that dialogue and cooperation will continue in the coming period, with a shared commitment to the values of peace, stability and the European perspective of the Western Balkans region.