Consul General in Trieste Ivana Stojiljkovic was one of the panelists at the 15th International Forum of the Aquileia Euroregion, on discussion topic "Western Balkans – forever on the waiting list", which was held in Udine on 18-19 October.

The Conference brought together representatives of academia, business people, NGOs and students from the region of Central Europe.

In her remarks, Consul General Stojiljkovic said that Serbia, as a legal successor to the former Yugoslavia, was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement always advocating the respect of law, independence and sovereignty of small nations, coupled with regional cooperation and action in concert with other countries. She emphasized that Serbia was on the EU path and that it was our country's strategic commitment. She thanked Italy for the support along this road.

Referring to the importance of Serbian citizens becoming equal citizens of the EU, she singled out fundamental human rights currently denied to the nationals of Serbia, such as non-recognition of university diplomas and driving licenses, difficulties in obtaining resident permits and implementation of pension schemes.

Recalling the plight of the Serbian people from Jasenovac concentration camp to the 1999 air strikes, she said that no one in the Balkans like the Serbs is so fervently committed to peace, stability and cooperation.