Kozarev, Israeli officials discuss bilateral relations

JERUSALEM - Secretary General of the Serbian MFA Dusan Kozarev met on Tuesday in Jerusalem with the political director of the Israeli MFA Yosef Amrani and the ministry's head of diplomatic training Hamutal Rogel to discuss the state of Serbia-Israel bilateral relations.

"The interlocutors exchanged views on the state of bilateral relations as well as on current geopolitical issues," the Serbian MFA said in a statement.

"Kozarev briefed his counterparts on the situation and the difficult position of the Serbs facing pressure from the Kurti regime in Serbia’s southern province, emphasising that, although the two sides do not share the same position on the status of Kosovo-Metohija, they are connected by a shared history of suffering and traditionally close relations between the two peoples. Amrani expressed gratitude for the solidarity and support extended following the events of October 7 2023.

Both sides reaffirmed their readiness to further enhance cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, defence, artificial intelligence, education, technology, innovation, and culture, with a special emphasis on preserving the memory of the Holocaust, as well as to elevate political dialogue to a strategic level and intensify contacts and visits at high and highest levels.

It was assessed that the conclusion of a free trade agreement between Serbia and Israel would provide additional impetus to the already successful business ties between the two countries.

The Secretary General also discussed with Hamutal Rogel the possibilities for cooperation between the diplomatic academies of the two ministries, as well as joint professional training and capacity-building for future diplomats.

Kozarev expressed particular appreciation for the confirmation of Israel’s participation in the specialised EXPO 2027 exhibition, voicing confidence that Israel’s presence would significantly contribute to the success of this major event, to be hosted by Belgrade," it also said.