The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Nebojsa Stefanovic, met with the Speaker of the Canadian Senate, Noel A. Kinsella. Senator Kinsella noted that the Serbian community has always been important for the development of the land, deeming that it continues to be a bridge toward Serbia. Multiculturalism has always been valued by Canadian society and is, according to Senator Kinsella, globally accepted today.
The officials agreed that parliamentary diplomacy is an important function of parliaments in modern society. They also agreed on more intensive interparliamentary cooperation, as well as participation of Serbian parliamentarians and assembly management in the seminars the Canadian Parliament organises several times a year. It was also noted that Canada’s visa regime toward many countries, Serbia included, is an obstacle to more frequent contacts.
The NARS Speaker also met with the President of the Nigerian Senate, David Mark. In the course of the meeting, Stefanovic underlined the fact that Nigeria has re-opened its Embassy in Belgrade and noted that Serbia is very much interested in renewing the substantial political and economic cooperation with Nigeria. Senator Mark extended an open invitation to Speaker Stefanovic to visit Nigeria and initiated more frequent contacts and interparliamentary cooperation.
In the meeting with the delegation of Bosnia and Herzegovina comprising Mato Franjicevic and Drago Kalabic, in the open talks, the NARS Speaker proposed a coordinated appearance of the countries ofn the region in international parliamentary forums, and well as closer cooperation on all issues of common interest. It was jointly noted that it is time to turn toward the future and work together toward achieving a better status in the international community and regional economy. They also agreed to continue cooperation not only with the Parliament of the Republic of Srpska with whom, it was noted, Serbia enjoys close relations, but also with the Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, also agreeing that Speaker Stefanovic should soon visit Banja Luka and Sarajevo.
In the meeting with the UK delegation, headed by Robert Walter and comprising representatives of the House of Commons Nigel Evans and Ian Liddell-Grainger, as well as representatives of the House of Lords Dholakia OBE DL, Davies of Stamford, Jude and Faulkner of Worcester, the UK delegation showed particular interest in the current political situation in Serbia, the results of the May elections, the composition of the parliamentary majority and the Government. Robert Walter noted that Serbia has always been a country of great interest to the UK and added that it was in Europe’s interest that Serbia be integrated in the European Union as soon as possible. He stressed that there is strong political will to help Serbia in its progress toward the European Union.
The UK delegation was particularly interested in the attitude toward minorities in Serbia, and it was jointly noted that the only solution to the Kosovo issue lies in negotiations.
NARS Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic informed the members of the UK delegation about the new Government’s priorities, particularly those relating to the fight against corruption, while, when speaking about the Parliament, he stressed the wish to strengthen the Parliament’s role in society, particularly though the work of the committees and control over the executive. Since economic recovery is a state priority, Stefanovic emphasised the importance of attracting investment and regional cooperation. Speaking of European integration, the National Assembly Speaker deemed that, once Serbia brings its economy, legislation and social relations in line, the European Union will be ready to accept Serbia.
In the meeting with the Japanese parliamentary delegation, headed by Eda Satsuki, representative of the Parliament’s Upper House, NARS Speaker Nebojsa Stefanovic expressed gratitude for the assistance and understanding of the friendly people of Japan in the past years. However, he added that, considering the two peoples’ friendship, parliamentary cooperation could be better.
The Japanese side agreed with the estimate, and offered assistance and new forms of cooperation by which the Japanese people could learn more about Serbia. Despite the sometimes bad attitude of the part of the international community toward Serbia, Japan has a different approach and cultivates relations of friendship and understanding with Serbia, noted Mieko Nakabayashi, member of the Japanese delegation.
Speaker Stefanovic briefed the members of the Japanese delegation on Serbia’s economic priorities, agriculture and energy production and invited the Japanese delegation to visit Serbia, suggesting that parliamentary contacts may serve as an initiative for better economic cooperation.