Macut, Israeli FM discuss strengthening of bilateral cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met with Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar in Belgrade on Tuesday to discuss strengthening the cooperation between the two countries.

Macut and Sa’ar agreed that there was space for "advancing cooperation between Serbia and Israel, especially in the areas of economy, trade, tourism, development of high technologies, medicine and other fields," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"The Prime Minister emphasised that relations between the two countries are friendly, marked by historical understanding and closeness, expressing hope that the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister will contribute to the further development of overall ties.

According to him, Serbia attaches particular importance to improving economic cooperation and, in this regard, is ready to begin negotiations to conclude a free trade agreement," the statement also said.

Macut noted that the signing of the agreement would "contribute to an increase in trade in goods and services and an even greater inflow of investments from Israel."

He also pointed out a trend of growth in goods and services trade, as well as significant investments by Israeli companies in Serbia.

"The interlocutors also assessed that the renewal of the Belgrade-Tel Aviv air route would be in the interest of both countries and the further development of relations, as well as for the benefit of citizens of Serbia and Israel," the statement said.

Sa’ar highlighted an untapped potential in the relations between Serbia and Israel, especially in tourism, emphasising that a large number of Israeli citizens were interested in visiting Serbia and that the establishment of this route would further boost tourist flows.

"The Prime Minister also stated that Serbia is deeply concerned over the current conflicts in the Middle East and strongly calls for urgent de-escalation, while respecting international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, and that dialogue and diplomatic solutions represent the only sustainable path to peace and stability," the statement said.