The National Assembly Speaker talked about the historically, traditionally friendly relations between the two countries and said he expected the overall bilateral relations, especially parliamentary and economic, to improve in future. Stefanovic thanked Lebanon for its perseverance, for the fact that it stood by Serbia even in times of trouble, adding he hoped that, despite financial difficulties, Serbia would soon open an Embassy in Beirut. Opining that there is ample room for improvement of all types of cooperation, Stefanovic said he would endorse all initiatives to that end.

Ambassador Jaber was pleased by the meeting stressing how important Lebanon considered Serbia as its European partner, and comparing Serbia’s significance to the significance Lebanon gives its relations with the Russian Federation.

He informed the National Assembly Speaker that Lebanon would not be changing its principled support of Serbia’s efforts to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Lebanese Ambassador also stressed the need to intensify contacts and cooperation at the parliamentary level and pointed out economic cooperation potentials, including investments into Serbia. He opined that the investments are still in the early stages of development and necessitate appropriate systemic support which includes a lasting operative solution to the visa issue.

Speaker Stefanovic and Ambassador Jaber agreed that the cultural ties between the two countries should also be strengthened and discussed further specific actions to that end.