U.S. congressmen visit Serbia

U.S. congressmen visit Serbia

Chairman of the US Congress' House of Representatives Congressman Bob Goodlatte underscored that protection of citizens' freedoms through strengthening of rule of law is especially important, and commended the Serbian authorities on the results achieved through powerful legal amendments.

Addressing the media after the meeting in the National Assembly, he underscored that the principles related to the rule of law bear importance for Serbia's future, economic growth and strengthening of relations with the U.S., as well as the EU path.

The talks with Serbian MPs also covered protection of citizens from cyber crime, he said and added that the goal of the U.S. is to protect all countries from cyber attacks.

He said that the U.S. is interested in improvement of cooperation with Serbia in the fight against human trafficking as an area which calls for joint efforts.

Goodlatte underscored that there is a mutual desire for improvement of parliamentary cooperation in all areas.

Deputy parliament speaker Igor Becic said that during the meeting, officials underscored the willingness for improvement of parliamentary and overall bilateral relations between Serbia and the U.S.

He expressed gratitude for the U.S. support to Serbia's European integration and the recognition to Serbia for the progress achieved in areas of rule of law and economic liberalization.

Serbian MPs informed the guests about the internal situation in Serbia, ongoing reforms processes and the current legislative activities of the parliament.

The talks also covered the efforts in the fight against organized crime and corruption, strengthening of rule of law and creation of a favourable business climate for attracting investments and faster economic development, Becic said.

He expressed gratitude of the U.S. for the assistance it delivered in the repair of consequences of May floods in Serbia and pointed to the support of the U.S. Agency for International Development which has been realized in collaboration with the parliament and thought the cooperation of the Separation of Powers Program in the past few years.

The delegation is headed by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (Virginia) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (New York).

The delegation also includes congressmen Jim Sensenbrenner (Wisconsin), Tom Marino (Pennsylvania), Blake Farenthold (Texas), Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas), Steve Cohen (Tennessee) and Hank Johnson (Georgia), the U.S. embassy in Belgrade has said in a statement.

The objective of their visit, which is part of a broader European tour, is to back the process of Euro-Atlantic integration of the countries in the region.