Egypt, Serbia working on FTA - ambassador

BELGRADE - Egypt and Serbia respect each other's territorial integrity, says Egyptian Ambassador to Belgrade Bassel Salah, noting that cooperation in the tourism industry is an especially significant aspect of ties between the two countries.

"The relevant ministries of Egypt and Serbia eagerly await the celebrations of the 115th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries," Salah told the balkantravel.rs internet portal in an interview.

He said the occasion would be marked with several official visits and cultural events in both countries as part of an Egyptian Culture Week in Serbia and a Serbian Culture Week in Egypt, respectively.

Noting that Serbia and Egypt had a long history of friendly relations, the ambassador said fields such as the economy, trade in agricultural and industrial products and the telecommunications and IT sectors held great potential for bilateral cooperation.

"Our two countries have begun negotiations about a FTA that will enable an increase of the volume of trade between the two countries... The current international situation represents an opportunity for both countries to step up their partnership to overcome the consequences of the present crisis, as well as to diversify the sources of their imports," Salah said.

He reiterated that Egypt respected the territorial integrity of Serbia.

"Egypt and Serbia respect each other's territorial integrity, which is reflected in respect of international laws and decisions by international organisations," the ambassador noted.