Vucic: Direct flights to Astana to be launched soon

MOSCOW - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Thursday direct flights between Belgrade and Astana would be established soon.

"Excellent news! Launch of direct flights between Belgrade and Astana coming soon," Vucic wrote in an Instagram post after meeting with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Moscow.

He added that the meeting had addressed the most significant topics for the two countries, from further development of overall bilateral relations and strengthening of political dialogue to the current geopolitical situation and global challenges impacting global stability and security.

He noted that special emphasis had been placed on further economic development and seizing the potential of a FTA.

"We also discussed concrete steps towards advancement of cooperation in agriculture, industry and IT, as well as greater presence of Kazakh companies in Serbia. In that context, I highlighted the importance of EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and thanked President Tokayev for their (Kazakhstan's) readiness to share their valuable experience with hosting EXPO 2017," Vucic wrote in the post.

He added that they had also addressed continued joint activities in defence, culture, tourism and education.

At the meeting with Tokayev, Vucic noted that he extremely appreciated Kazakhstan's consistent support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, and said he believed that, as in the past, Serbia would have the understanding and support of its Kazakh friends in the future.

"I am confident that, by marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year, we will confirm, in a symbolic manner, the ever-stronger ties we are building on the foundations of friendship, trust and mutual respect," Vucic also posted.