The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Prof. Dr Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic received the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, today.

In the meeting, both deemed that the traditionally friendly relations, understanding and solidarity between Serbia and Cyprus compel them to improve overall bilateral cooperation. Opening a new Cypriot Embassy is a symbolic act that should mark the new stage in the development of good relations between the two countries.

Giving full support to Serbia’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity, President Christofias stressed that Cyprus will always be on Serbia’s side, even if it remains the only country that will not recognise the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo-Metohija. “We are only returning the support the Serbian people gave Cyprus in its decades-long struggle to preserve its country’s territorial integrity peacefully and by abiding by international law”, the Cypriot president emphasised. As a long-time Parliamentary Speaker, Christofias pointed out the important role the Parliament plays in democratic reform and democratisation of the society, lending full support to Serbia on it’s road to the European Union and expressing an expectation the National Assembly Speaker would be able to visit Cyprus.

The National Assembly Speaker, Slavica Djukic-Dejanovic, conveyed to the Cypriot President the citizens’ and deputies’ thanks for Cyprus’ principled support of Serbia’s effort to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Assembly Speaker Djukic-Dejanovic focused on the need to improve inter-parliamentary cooperation via friendship groups, closer cooperation of the committees and direct contacts between the parliamentarians. As she announced, she will invite the Cypriot Parliament Speaker to visit the Serbian Parliament.