H.E. Portuguese Ambassador Ms. Magalhaes conveyed the Portuguese Parliament’s congratulations to Speaker Stefanovic and stressed the importance of friendship groups as a useful type of cooperation between the two parliaments. The guest also stated that the national parliaments of EU countries still play an important role in policy creation, adding that the European Parliament itself is more important than before.

Ambassador Magalhaes deemed the decision to send Serbian delegations to gatherings attended by representatives of the Pristina government reasonable, a decision that demonstrates Serbia’s good will and has been well-received by the EU.

National Assembly Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic informed the guest that Serbia supports continuing negotiations with Pristina, but at the same time asked for help for the attempts to preserve the lives and property of Serbs in Kosovo-Metohija in light of the cessation of the limited independence which might be used to further exile Serbs and non-Albanians.

Speaker Stefanovic stressed that accession is Serbia’s priority, but the Parliament’s efforts are aimed toward public outreach, fighting systemic corruption and protection of minorities. He added that he wished to make the Parliament’s work more efficient and closer to the citizens.