Ragus: Serbia remains consistently committed to peace, respect for int'l law

BELGRADE - Serbian Deputy Parliament Speaker Marina Ragus said on Monday the contemporary world was facing serious challenges to the international order, and noted that dialogue was the only path to preserving peace and stability and equal relations among states.

Speaking at the 6th Think Tank Conference hosted by the Belt and Road Institute at the Palace of Serbia in Belgrade, Ragus noted that freedom represented one of the most important values for all nations.

Today, international relations face a crisis of trust and increasingly frequent use of double standards, Ragus said, noting that principles enshrined in the UN Charter must be restored as the foundation of the global order.

"Serbia remains consistently committed to peace, dialogue and respect for international law. We believe that lasting solutions can be built only through discussions and respect for the legitimate interests of all sides," she said.

Highlighting the significance of Serbia-China relations, Ragus noted that they were based on mutual trust, respect and long-term cooperation.

"Thanks to the steely friendship between President Aleksandar Vucic and President Xi Jinping, Serbia is the only European state to have signed a joint statement (with China) on building a community with a shared future in a new era. That is a confirmation of the exceptional level of political trust and strategic partnership between our states," Ragus said.

She added that the concept of a shared future was based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, joint development and preservation of peace - values that she noted were needed more than ever before.

"I believe a different world is possible and that dialogue has a chance. Our joint task is to build an international order where international law, the sovereignty of states and the principles the UN is based on will be respected," Ragus said.