At the meeting, Ms Ergma and Mr Dačić expressed their mutual delight that the relations of Estonia and Serbia have reached the level of practical ties and cooperation. Ergma stressed that Serbia is an important partner for Estonia in the Western Balkan region and that progress should be quickened in several promising areas of cooperation. The President of the Riigikogu confirmed the interest in establishing closer ties between the parliaments of the two states. This had also been discussed at the meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly which had been held in a businesslike atmosphere during her recent visit to Serbia in September. It was stated that the development of the relations of the two states can also be seen in mutual high-level visits, meetings at international events as well as increasingly frequent inter-agency consultations.

 

Ergma underlined that Estonia is a convinced supporter of the enlargement of the European Union. She noted with acknowledgement Serbia’s commitment to keep moving towards the EU. Ergma said that Estonia supports the granting of the status of EU candidate country to Serbia. Serbia has done appreciable work in carrying out reforms, she added.

 

Dačić stressed that Serbia’s integration with the EU is Serbia’s most important national priority and he expressed the conviction that the parliamentary elections due in spring will not change this course. At the same time, solution of Kosovo issue is extremely important for Serbia. The Minister confirmed that the state is going to be constructive in this issue and proceed from practical aspects. Ergma explained that, next to foreign policy issues, it is more important to solve the issues relating to the welfare of Serbian people. The President of the Riigikogu stressed that harmonisation of national legislation with EU legislation is an important activity in the integration process. Ergma underlined that, upon becoming a member of the European Union, it is necessary to responsibly adhere to agreements and stick to the obligations assumed in order to avoid getting into a crisis situation.

 

The Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee Marko Pomerants also participated in the meeting.

 

The Riigikogu Press Service