H.E. İlhan Saygili, Ambassador of Türkiye to Serbia

One of the strongest aspects of our relationship with Serbia is trade, and the rules are even shifting in this area. In this context, together with our Serbian counterparts, we are evaluating how we can adapt to these transformations – from traditional trade to e-commerce, from labour-intensive sectors to technology-driven industries and ICT ~ İlhan Saygili

Ambassador Saygili’s term in Serbia began with the fact that bilateral relations are described by both sides as currently experiencing a “golden age”. The trade exchange reached a record high value of $3 billion in 2024. As he explains in this interview for CorD Magazine, new intertrade agreements “are opening new avenues for economic cooperation. One of the key areas of collaboration is the energy sector, where both countries aim to enhance partnerships.”

Your Excellency, you’ve been appointed ambassador of Türkiye to Serbia at a time when relations between the two countries are described as experiencing a “golden age”. What do you see as the strongest aspects of this cooperation?

— As stated by both President Erdoğan and President Vučić, Türkiye-Serbia relations are experiencing a “golden age”. I believe this metaphor reflects very well the level of bilateral relations between Türkiye and Serbia. The unwavering friendship and trust between the two leaders are reflected directly in relations between our countries. We witnessed this clearly during and after our president’s October 2024 visit to Serbia. The world is changing rapidly. There is a Latin saying “Rebus sic stantibus”, which means that the rules change with the conditions. As global circumstances evolve, so too will the rules. One of the strongest aspects of our relationship with Serbia is trade, and the rules are even shifting in this area. In this context, we are evaluating with our Serbian counterparts how we can adapt to these transformations, from traditional trade to e-commerce, from labour-intensive sectors to technology-driven industries and information and communication technologies.

In the field of economics, the two countries have an ambitious plan to increase the trade exchange from the current $2.5 billion to $5 billion. In which sectors of the economy do you see room to achieve this progress?

— The trade volume between Serbia and Türkiye reached a record high of $3 billion in 2024. There are two main factors behind this achievement. First is the Free Trade Agreement signed in 2009, which eliminated tariff barriers. Second is the remarkable growth of Turkish investments in Serbia, which have surged from $1 million to $410 million in 12 years. These investments have contributed not only to Serbia’s economic development, but have also boosted Turkish exports significantly.

As a result of these steps, bilateral trade has increased exponentially. Serbia is today the fastest-growing country in the region, attracting the most foreign investment and making significant economic advances. At this stage, we also expect Serbian companies to invest in Türkiye, which, in turn, would enhance their potential to export to the Turkish market and beyond. Meanwhile, we will continue encouraging Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Serbia, further strengthening foundations for sustainable trade growth.

Numerous agreements were signed during the most recent meeting between the presidents of Türkiye and Serbia, thus creating opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation. Türkiye has expressed its willingness to participate in certain major projects. What areas of investment are most attractive to Turkish investors?

— During the last meeting between the presidents of Türkiye and Serbia, the significant agreements that were signed opened new avenues for economic cooperation. One of the key areas of this collaboration is the energy sector, where both countries aim to enhance partnerships. The recent agreement in this field reflects Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Serbia’s energy transition and sustainability efforts.

Additionally, the construction and contracting sector remains a highly attractive field for Turkish businesspeople.

With Serbia hosting EXPO 2027 and developing its infrastructure continuously, Turkish companies renowned for their expertise in large-scale projects are eager to contribute to the country’s urban transformation initiatives and transportation networks.

We encourage Turkish companies to invest in technology-intensive sectors, aligning with global shifts from labour-intensive industries. Vast opportunities are offered by Serbia’s rapidly growing ICT sector. With these investments, Türkiye will continue to reaffi rms its dedication to nurturing longstanding economic and technological partnerships with Serbia, benefi ting both nations.

How does Türkiye view Expo 2027 in Belgrade?

—I have consistently emphasised that EXPO 2027 isn’t just a major opportunity for Serbia, but for the entire region. I believe that, following EXPO 2027, both Serbia and the Balkans as a whole will advance economically. As a country that values its friendship with Serbia and recognises the potential, Türkiye will contribute in every possible way. We are working to ensure a strong Turkish presence at the fair, while also facilitating Turkish companies’ participation in the construction of its infrastructure at the highest standards.

The presidents of Türkiye and Serbia have repeatedly mentioned the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the defence industry. Experts from both sides are reportedly already working on this. In which direction do you see this cooperation developing?

—Following the directives of our leaders, the relevant institutions have be begun discussions. A delegation from the Turkish Defence Industry Secretariat visited Belgrade in November 2024 to hold meetings with their Serbian counterparts.

One of the key areas of this collaboration is the energy sector. The recent agreement in this field reflects Türkiye’s commitment to supporting Serbia’s energy transition and sustainability efforts

We now look forward to a reciprocal visit from the Serbian delegation to Türkiye in the near future, as we believe that the tangible outcomes of this cooperation will soon be evident.

Türkiye often states that it sees Serbia as “a key country for peace and stability in the Balkans”. However, at the same time, Türkiye strongly promotes Kosovo’s independence and supplies it with Turkish weaponry. Does this cooperation impact bilateral relations with Serbia?

— Türkiye-Serbia relations are conducted with honesty and sincerity at every level. We believe fi rmly that lasting peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved without a strong relationship between Serbia and Türkiye. Thanks to our close ties, both countries can openly address regional challenges and prevent tensions from escalating. If countries focus only on areas of disagreement and ignore the positive agenda, their relationships can never progress in a healthy way. That’s why we prioritise mutually benefi cial areas of cooperation in our bilateral relations with Serbia and maintain a constructive dialogue.

You mentioned in one interview that we are witnessing “serious breakdowns in the international community and shaken foundations of the global system”. Under such circumstances, many were surprised by President Erdoğan’s statement that he sees Türkiye as the “lifeline” of Europe. Does this also imply Ankara’s readiness to support the EU’s new positions visà- vis the U.S. and Russia?

— Türkiye is following a multidimensional and multilateral foreign policy. Hence our President’s statement regarding the European Union does not refl ect a new approach. We have been clear from the outset that Türkiye’s full membership in the EU would signifi cantly enhance the Union’s capacity and its competitiveness, particularly in the domain of defence and security. We therefore expect the EU to approach Türkiye’s accession with a strategic vision and perspective. This outlook extends beyond the specifi c question you’ve raised.

Given the new geopolitical circumstances, is Türkiye abandoning its interest in joining BRICS, a possibility that President Erdoğan has previously mentioned?

— Thanks to its geographical location and multidimensional foreign policy approach, Türkiye enjoys engagements with European, Asian and even Latin American international and regional organisations. Türkiye is a founding member of almost all European institutions, including the Council of Europe and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, is a member of NATO and an EU membership candidate. Türkiye is also a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Organisation of Turkic States and the Asia Cooperation Dialogue. Likewise, Türkiye’s active presence in the G20 and MIKTA reflects its commitment to multilateralism. In line with this understanding, we consider BRICS not as an alternative, but as a complementary platform that contributes to effective multilateralism, and we are willing to enhance our relations with the country.