Welcoming President Christodoulides, he expressed his belief that his visit would give Serbia a strong impulse to further improve overall relations, based on firm friendship, mutual trust and historically confirmed closeness of the two peoples.

Dr Orlic and Christodoulides jointly welcomed the announced third joint session of the two governments in Belgrade, as well as the signing of a series of memoranda of understanding which are yet another confirmation of the two countries’ readiness to further intensify mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.

They also expressed satisfaction with the excellent cooperation between the Serbian and Cypriot Parliament, as well as the intensive contact and dynamic exchange of visits and meetings at all levels.

Speaker Orlic took the opportunity to thank Cyprus for its principled position regarding Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, saying that, in this sense, Cyprus will always be able to count on our country’s support. He also thanked Cyprus for the clear position and support expressed before the Council of Europe. He then went on to inform President Christodoulides about the difficult situation in the southern Serbian province. "This year, close to 13% of Serbs from the north of Kosovo-Metohija have left their homes due to the terror they are exposed to on a daily basis and close to 450 ethnically motivated attacks on the Serbian people have been recorded since Albin Kurti came to power in Pristina. In these extremely difficult conditions, we are trying to defend peace and stability and we remain consistent in our efforts to preserve dialogue. Today, numerous world and European officials unequivocally confirm that only Belgrade, i.e. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, demonstrate this responsible attitude" said Dr Orlic, adding: "While preserving peace, we also want to preserve our people and we will always clearly underscore our red lines and respect the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia at all times."

President Christodoulides stressed that the stance of the Republic of Cyprus regarding Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, i.e. the non-recognition of so-called "Kosovo", will not change. He thanked our country for the support it provides to the Republic of Cyprus, adding that, based on mutual understanding, intensive work should be continued to strengthen all-round cooperation, primarily in the field of military industry, trade and tourism.

Finally, he thanked the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia for the warm welcome and hospitality. "In Belgrade, I am always among friends", said the President of Cyprus.

The meeting between the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and the President of the Republic of Cyprus was also attended by the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Snezana Paunovic, Head of the PFG with Cyprus Biljana Pantic Pilja, as well as Serbian Ambassador to Cyprus Marko Blagojevic.