Elvira Kovacs expressed hope that the good relations between the two countries would be further strengthened by the intensification of interparliamentary cooperation, both through the cooperation of the newly-formed Parliamentary Friendship Group with Portugal at the National Assembly and the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Serbia at the Portuguese Parliament, as well as through more intensive contact between the two parliaments’ working bodies. She informed the Ambassador about the National Assembly’s past activities and the work of the European Integration Committee, highlighting the Committee’s exceptional work dynamic and adding that its goal remains to become the European Affairs the Committee, which would mean that Serbia has become a full member of the European Union. Kovacs stressed that Serbia is committed to the European path and is doing its best in that process. She believes that alignment of foreign policy with that of the European Union is significant, but stressed that in every process, that one included, the interest of the Serbian citizens remains paramount.

Speaking about the importance and benefits of EU membership, Ambassador Pina pointed out, first of all, the importance of the way the citizens are informed about the accession process itself. She pointed out that it is extremely important to create an objective, true and comprehensible narrative, in order to see the bigger picture. She pointed out the importance of exchanging experiences and good practices, saying that Serbia can count on Portugal’s full support on its way to full EU membership.

In the course of the meeting, the officials also touched on the topic of open issues between Belgrade and Pristina, agreeing that the solution to all open issues is dialogue and the ultimate goal is the normalisation of relations.