In an open atmosphere, the National Assembly Speaker, Nebojsa Stefanovic, and his guest Ambassador But jointly noted that there are no outstanding issues in the two countries’ relations and exchanged opinions on many current issues and problems the two countries encounter. Speaker Stefanovic informed his guest on the Parliament’s priorities which primarily deal with its autonomy and strengthening its position in society, deeming that a strong parliament means a strong government. Speaking of the work of the National Assembly’s new legislature, he informed the Slovenian Ambassador of the fact that almost a half of the parliamentary committees are headed by opposition representatives and the work of the Assembly itself has become more accessible to the public, listing as example the fact that the shorthand notes of the sessions and parliamentary questions can be found on the Parliament’s website as quickly as possible. Speaker Stefanovic stated that several bills will soon be presented before the Assembly, the adoption of which will undoubtedly assist the efforts for a speedy integration into the European Union, at the same time stressing that all the bills, before voting, will be subjected to broad public debate and deliberation by the relevant assembly committee. Ambassador But offered the support of the Slovenian Government and Parliament to Serbia’s efforts toward European Union accession, as well as the Slovenian negotiations experience. He informed his host about the current situation in Slovenia, clarifying the measures the Slovenian Government is employing to overcome the economic crisis. He deemed that Slovenia is in a better situation than Spain, Italy, Portugal, and especially Greece and that it will come through the current crisis without outside help.

The officials agreed that bilateral cooperation should be intensified particularly on the parliamentary level, and agreed on the steps to organise a visit by the Chair of the Slovenian Parliament and, later on, a return visit by the National Assembly Speaker.