Vucic meets with Babayev

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Azerbaijani Finance Minister Sahil Babayev in Belgrade on Friday, noting that Serbia was determined to continue to develop and advance even more vigorously the mutually beneficial cooperation with Azerbaijan, especially in the fields of economy, energy, defence and road infrastructure.

"An excellent discussion with Minister Babayev about further strengthening of overall bilateral ties between our countries," Vucic posted on Instagram.

He noted that Serbia-Azerbaijan relations were on a very high level and based on mutual trust and respect.

"The sincere friendship and strategic partnership between our countries is also confirmed by continuous political dialogue at all levels. We also expect the president of Azerbaijan to soon pay a visit to Belgrade, during which the first session of the Serbia-Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership Council will be held," Vucic added.

He noted that cooperation in the energy sector and putting into operation a Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnection was extremely important for Serbia as it marked the start of Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia.

Vucic reiterated his gratitude to Azerbaijan for its firm and principled position of not recognising the unilaterally declared independence of the so-called Kosovo, as well as for its consistent backing for Serbia in many international fora, including Baku's support for Serbia's bid to host the specialised EXPO 2027.

"Grateful to Minister Babayev for the visit, sincere discussion and a friendly approach. Serbia and Azerbaijan share the same values, stability, trust and a commitment to joint progress. I am confident our countries will continue to develop their relations in the spirit of sincere friendship and strategic partnership," Vucic noted.