President Erdoğan spoke at a joint press conference with Serbian President Vucic
Speaking at a joint press conference with President Vucic of Serbia, President Erdoğan said: “Our economic and commercial relations constitute the engine of our bilateral cooperation with Serbia. Our trade volume has exceeded 2 billion dollars two years in a row.”
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia held a joint press conference following their bilateral meeting and the fourth meeting of the Türkiye-Serbia High-Level Cooperation Council in Belgrade.
Stating that thanks to the improving bilateral relations between the two countries, in addition to the Embassy in Belgrade, they opened consulates in Novi Pazar in 2021 and in Nis in 2022, President Erdoğan said: “Our economic and commercial relations constitute the engine of our bilateral cooperation with Serbia. Our trade volume has exceeded 2 billion dollars two years in a row. We determinedly continue to take joint steps to achieve our common goal of 5 billion dollars.”
“WE HAVE REAFFIRMED OUR COUNTRIES’ DETERMINATION ON THE PRESERVATION OF STABILITY IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA”
Noting that besides the bilateral relations, he discussed with his Serbian counterpart current regional and global developments, President Erdoğan stated: “We have once again underlined the importance of the peace and stability in the Balkans. In this regard, the significance of approaching the recent tension between Serbia and Kosovo with commonsense is obvious. We have reaffirmed our countries’ determination on the preservation of stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this occasion, I have stressed the importance of Serbia’s constructive approach in order to leave behind Bosnia and Herzegovina’s political fragility.”
President Erdoğan said he has once again voiced during the talks Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and that Türkiye is determined to maintain its efforts for a lasting peace.
“A GEOGRAPHICALLY INTEGRATED PALESTINIAN STATE MUST BE ESTABLISHED”
Pointing out that the ongoing tragedy in the occupied Palestinian territories, Gaza in particular, and in Lebanon was also on the agenda of their talks, President Erdoğan went on to say: “All must say ‘Stop’ to the Israeli administration’s attacks that trample upon the dignity of humanity. The problem that lies at the bottom of the matter is the ongoing occupation of the Palestinian territories by Israel. In this sense, it is a must that an independent, sovereign and geographically integrated Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East a-Quds as its capital, is established. Since October 7, nine countries have recognized the Palestinian State. I hereby once again remind our call to recognize the Palestinian State for the countries that have yet to do it. The international community has an essential responsibility to convey the accurate messages to Israel and to end the ongoing massacre.”
Following his remarks President Erdoğan answered reporters’ questions.
In response to a question regarding the concrete steps to be taken by the two countries in order to contribute to the stability in the Balkans, President Erdoğan noted that such steps must be taken on the basis of the preservation of peace, and that Turkish and Serbian officials will carry out necessary works based on defense industry.
Answering a follow-up question whether the defense industry cooperation between the two countries will include the procurement of Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles, President Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye’s means regarding unmanned aerial vehicles will definitely be included in the steps to be taken concerning defense industry, and added that the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Heads of Defense Industries of the two countries will carry out the relevant works.
