Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described relations between Turkey and Serbia as a “golden era” during his visit to Belgrade.
In a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Erdogan emphasized that the two countries have reached a new peak in bilateral relations.
Erdogan and Vučić discussed regional and geopolitical issues, with a particular focus on maintaining peace and stability in the Balkans. Erdogan highlighted the importance of approaching tensions between Serbia and Kosovo with reason and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to preserving stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which he described as politically vulnerable.
Erdogan noted that the relationship between Turkey and Serbia is largely driven by economic cooperation. “In the last two years, we have achieved a trade exchange of two billion dollars, and Turkish investments in Serbia exceed 400 million dollars, employing around 96,000 people,” Erdogan said.
Vučić referred to Turkey as the “largest player” in the Balkans and noted that Serbia and Turkey have seen a sevenfold increase in trade in recent years. In the first eight months of this year, the value of their trade has already reached nearly two billion euros.
The visit included a ceremonial welcome for Erdogan with national anthems and a guard of honor in front of the Palace of Serbia. In addition to the presidential meeting, the fourth session of the High Cooperation Council between Serbia and Turkey was held.
Several agreements were signed during the visit, including a Memorandum of Understanding on disaster and emergency management, cooperation in employment, labor, and social security, and energy transition. Agreements on sports, youth cooperation, and media and information were also signed, as well as protocols for collaboration between the city of Belgrade and the Turkish city of Gaziantep, and between the State Archives of Serbia and the State Archives Directorate of the Turkish Presidency.
Photo: Predsedništvo Srbije / Dimitrije Goll