Since the goal of this competition is to promote parliamentary debate, free exchange of ideas and development of international student cooperation, I am honoured that part of it will be held at the Serbian National Assembly House where the representatives of the people put into effect the oldest and strongest legacy of democratic society—representation of the free will of the people who elected them. The debates in this house always attracted attention, and the scope of some of them through history has become part of our culture. Therefore, it is my great honour to be able to address you as the host and wish that your ideas and skills soon become an asset to your people and make the parliaments where you will confront arguments, as you will do here today, proud.

Even though it does not seem so at first, debate and strength of argument in this house have frequently overwhelmed assembly majorities, which is something we are proud of in our parliament. On the other hand, every victory in a debate is not necessarily a battle won because it often happens that the ones who see further and better that are the true winners, and those who remain prisoners of their moment of personal vanity are defeated.

I wish you all success and again thank you for the honour of making the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia the site of part of your competition.