The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic talked to Hungarian President Pál Schmitt, in official visit to Serbia.

In a very cordial and friendly atmosphere the officials informed one another on the most important activities in their respective countries. President Schmitt explained some of the elements of the newly-adopted Hungarian Constitution in detail with special focus on the fact that the number of deputies in the Parliament had been reduced from 380 to 200 securing an additional 13 seats for ethnic community representatives. Hungary’s European Union membership afforded significant advantages to the country but not as many as the citizens had expected, said President Schmitt. In that context, he emphasised Hungary’s support, particularly as EU Chair, of Serbia’s European Union membership.

The NARS Speaker briefed President Schmitt on the NARS activities regarding the adoption of the required laws from the so-called “European agenda” stressing that regardless of the time when Serbia actually joined the European Union the adoption of said laws and standardisation would be of significant benefit to the citizens of Serbia.

Both sides noted that the entry of Western Balkan countries into the EU is very important for the development of the whole region. Speaker Djukic-Dejanovic stressed that Serbia values the cooperation between Danube region countries in that context, which can significantly improve the economic cooperation of the countries in the region.

NARS Speaker informed President Schmitt of her planned official visit to Budapest on 24 May at the invitation of the Hungarian Parliament Speaker which would allow the opportunity to again meet with President Schmitt, which he was pleased to accept.