Macut, Kachka discuss Serbia-Ukraine bilateral relations, economic cooperation

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met on Thursday in Belgrade with Ukrainian Deputy PM for European and Euro-Atlantic integration Taras Kachka, who is also the country's trade representative, to discuss Serbia-Ukraine bilateral relations and opportunities for advancement of cooperation in commerce, the economy, infrastructure, energy, digitalisation and other sectors.

"The interlocutors noted that Serbia has the potential to become a key economic and logistics hub for Ukrainian companies, and that a free trade agreement could significantly increase trade between the two countries and open a new phase of economic cooperation," the Serbian government said in a statement.

"Macut stressed that Serbia is committed to preserving peace and stability, as well as to continuing the development of constructive dialogue and cooperation with all partners.

The Prime Minister stressed that Serbia remains committed to the European path, strengthening institutions and regional cooperation, which has been repeatedly emphasised in the previous period in talks with European and international partners.

The Prime Minister particularly pointed out the importance of intensifying economic cooperation, connecting companies, as well as cooperation in the field of innovation, information technologies and digitalisation.

He also spoke about the development of regional energy infrastructure, pointing out the importance of implementing the Vertical Gas Corridor project as one of the key elements for strengthening energy security and connectivity of the region," the statement said.

"Kachka assessed that there are favourable conditions for the more intensive development of bilateral relations and the implementation of joint projects, adding that it is important to build the foundation for long-term and stable cooperation between the two countries.

During the meeting, the importance of continuing humanitarian and institutional cooperation was also discussed, as well as the need to preserve stability and strengthen dialogue in complex international circumstances.

The interlocutors assessed that there is room for further improvement of relations between Serbia and Ukraine through more intensive communication, exchange of experiences in the process of European integration and the development of specific projects of common interest," it also said.

The meeting was also attended by Serbian Ambassador to Ukraine Andon Sapundzi and Ukrainian Ambassador to Belgrade Oleksandr Litvinenko.