The National Assembly Speaker agreed with the assessment and informed Ambassador Varricchio that he would, in the course of the meetings between parliament speakers organised within the Council of Europe conference, meet with the Speaker of the Italian Parliament, Gianfranco Fini. Nebojsa Stefanovic informed the Italian Ambassador about the Parliament’s priorities in the upcoming period, including a more pronounced control of the executive, completion of the e-Parliament project, as well as the assembly committees’ more significant role.
Ambassador Varricchio informed Speaker Stefanovic about the role of the Italian Parliament which he characterised as important, particularly as regards the committees’ work. As an example he listed the Foreign Affairs Committee which frequently invites Italian diplomats to explain before it whether certain decisions adhere to the country’s national interests and foreign policy.
Speaker Stefanovic informed his guest of the fact that the new parliamentary legislature is introducing the practice of having the sessions chaired by the Deputy Speakers, which was previously a rare occurrence, and that it wishes to show the public the Parliament’s new face, turned toward the public and citizens, which would strengthen its reputation in society.
The National Assembly Speaker initiated an exchange of parliamentary delegations because he believes it would be worthwhile for the Serbian MPs to exchange experiences with their Italian colleagues.
Ambassador Varricchio also stressed that the assembly services play an important role at the Italian Parliament and their excellent analyses greatly assist the MPs in doing their job. He is sure that contacts between high dignitaries in the parliament would also contribute to a more successful parliamentary cooperation. Ambassador Varricchio also noted that both countries are stricken by a difficult economic situation, but economic cooperation is a priority in the cooperation between Serbia and Italy, mentioning that at the moment at least 500 Italian companies work in Serbia.
They especially focused on the Fiat factory in Kragujevac. The officials were pleased by the achieved results and believe that that cooperation will serve as an example for others, especially in the field of energy production.
Italy has been and will remain active in Serbia’s efforts to achieve its European goals, while regional cooperation is significant inasmuch that Italy wishes a better and stronger cooperation with Serbia, which it believes to be an ally and the centre of the region. Parliamentary cooperation builds bridges between states – concluded Ambassador Varricchio.
Speaker Stefanovic deemed that the new parliamentary majority shows responsibility, and changes occur at a rate which makes it possible to preserve the stability of the country. Although Serbia is faced by great problems, especially economic ones, Stefanovic concludes that reform is possible, as is the fight against systemic corruption and crime.