Tokayev: Serbia dependable partner to Kazakhstan in Balkans

BELGRADE - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Tuesday in Belgrade Serbia was a dependable partner to Kazakhstan in the Balkans and that the relationship between the two countries was based on mutual trust and support.

At a press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Tokayev said bilateral relations with Serbia were developing and improving in various areas.

"Our multilateral framework is strengthening, too, and Mr Vucic has made a significant contribution to development of bilateral partnership and, for that reason, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all his efforts. It is essential that we develop cooperation to the benefit of our peoples, and we are always committed to those joint efforts," Tokayev said.

He invited Vucic to pay an official visit to Kazakhstan next year.

He said the two countries would especially cooperate in the defence industry, mining, energy, transport, industry and health care, and added that strengthening of trade ties had also been discussed with Vucic.

"Kazakhstan is committed to exporting industrial products, food and other products to Serbia. At the same time, Serbia has a wide range of products that can be exported to Kazakhstan," Tokayev said.

He added that the defence industry would be a key area of cooperation where opportunities for deeper bilateral integration would be explored.

"We exchanged views on global and regional security. Kazakhstan and Serbia have strong ties at international and regional level alike. Our positions on many issues are in agreement, and when it comes to the geopolitical situation, we confirmed a commitment to continue the cooperation in the multilateral framework," Tokayev noted.

He said Serbia had major expertise in agriculture.

"We agreed to share expertise in organic farming, veterinary care and applications of biotech. Also, we highlighted the significance of establishing a partnership between educational institutions and organisations engaging in agricultural research," he said.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan was working with commitment on creating favourable conditions for Serbian companies wishing to do business in the country, and added that the cooperation would include strengthening of cultural ties.

He thanked Vucic for the Serbian government's assistance for post-flood recovery efforts in Kazakhstan.