Vucic: Good discussions with Erdogan, goal is for trade with Turkey to reach 5 bln euros

ANKARA - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday in Ankara he had had exceptionally productive discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about all concrete issues, and noted that Serbia understood the economic significance of Turkey, one of its most important partners.

"We also understand well Turkey's political significance and its role in the economy, in the military industry and in every other segment of society," Vucic said at a press conference with Erdogan.

He said the discussions had been exceptionally fruitful and productive. "When Erdogan said in the past that the goal is for external trade between Serbia and Turkey to reach 5 bln euros, I repeated that, but I was skeptical because our trade at the time was at 800-900 mln euros, while today it is already at around 3.5 bln. It is evident that we are on the right track to achieve a trade volume of 5 bln," Vucic said, noting that this was very important for Serbia, a country significantly smaller than Turkey.

Erdogan said the discussion with Vucic had addressed bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues, and announced that he would visit Belgrade and Novi Pazar, southwestern Serbia, in May or June. He added that he would be accompanied by a large delegation.

"I last met with Vucic in Belgrade on October 11, 2024, when the High Cooperation Council held its fourth session. Meanwhile, quite a lot of has happened in our bilateral relations, and also when it comes to regional and global issues. Together with him, today I assessed the impact of those developments on our relations and we discussed steps we will be taking in the future," he said.

Erdogan added that they had also spoken about what could be done to maintain stability and boost economic development in the Balkans.

"Our trade and investments with Serbia, which are growing day by day, are really in a position that makes them the driving force of our relations," he said.

He noted that Turkey had announced its participation in EXPO 2027 Belgrade, which he said was an important event that would provide additional opportunities for development of bilateral economic, trade and cultural relations.

He also said more than 1,500 Turkish companies were operating in Serbia, having invested a total of 300 mln dollars.

"It is clear that a development strategy focusing on investments, infrastructure and growth has helped us get to this point. I would reiterate that we also expect Serbian investors, too, to come to Turkey," Erdogan said.

Vucic: I support Erdogan's Balkan Peace Platform

ANKARA - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Thursday in Ankara he had expressed support for a Balkan Peace Platform - an initiative by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan - and noted that it was very important.

"That platform is very important and I, too, will join that initiative by President Erdogan, if I am invited. I am certain that President Erdogan will also have other important initiatives aimed at connecting people and nations in the Balkans," Vucic said at a press conference with Erdogan after the two presidents met in Ankara.

He said that, for the first time, they had openly discussed cooperation in military technology and military-economic and military-to-military cooperation.

Vucic noted that he was confident that, if Turkey and Serbia demonstrated an ability to have good cooperation on various issues, everyone in the Western Balkans would succeed in preserving peace and providing a future to all nations.

He also said an agreement had been reached for a Serbia-Turkey committee on cooperation to start working intensively next month.

"We have appointed a co-chair on our side, and a large Serbia-Turkey friendship group will be formed in the Serbian parliament on the 26th (of February)," Vucic said, adding that he looked forward to Erdogan's visit to Serbia.

Vucic: Important discussions with Erdogan ahead

ANKARA - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who is on a one-day visit to Ankara, said on Thursday important discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were ahead about topics of mutual importance for the two countries and peoples, as well as about regional issues.

"I am confident that this visit will contribute to further strengthening of Serbia-Turkey relations, as well as to a deepening of economic cooperation, investments and joint projects. We will also discuss regional issues, stability in the Balkans and all other challenges we are facing amid complex global circumstances," Vucic posted on Instagram.

He added that Serbia continued to build a partnership with Turkey that was based on mutual respect, trust and a clear vision of a future in which cooperation and dialogue remained the key policy principles.

Besides a Vucic-Erdogan meeting, a plenary meeting of Serbian and Turkish delegations will also be held.

Vucic begins one-day visit to Ankara, to meet with Erdogan

ANKARA - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic began a one-day visit to Turkey on Thursday.

He was welcomed by Turkey's Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir at the Ankara airport.

Vucic will meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential palace.

A plenary meeting of Serbian and Turkish delegations is also scheduled to take place.

The delegation accompanying Vucic includes FM Marko Djuric, Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic, Minister without portfolio in charge of reconciliation, regional cooperation and social stability Usame Zukorlic, Minister of Economy Adrijana Mesarovic and Assistant Defence Minister Nenad Radomirovic.

Vucic and Erdogan have met 14 times since 2017, including during bilateral visits and on the sidelines of international conferences.