Paying a one-day visit to Turkey upon the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Serbian Foreign Minister Jeremic met with Davutoğlu at breakfast. Extensively discussing Turkish-Serbian bilateral relations, the two ministers also covered the situation in the Balkans and the political crisis surrounding Bosnia and Herzegovina as a result of constitutional reform in that country. Holding a joint press conference subsequent to the meeting, the two ministers stressed the growing relations between their two countries.
Davutoğlu said a free trade agreement signed between Turkey and Serbia would be approved in the Turkish Parliament next week and that this agreement would contribute to improved economic relations between the two countries. Davutoğlu emphasized that Turkey and Serbia would also work together on several infrastructure projects in Serbia. The two countries were determined to collaborate to boost economic prosperity in Balkans, he said. Davutoğlu also said that the talks had touched upon the cooperation of Turkey and Serbia in the region, especially in resolving the political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Regional matters were also discussed in the meeting. I congratulated Jeremic once again regarding the ongoing process with Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Davutoğlu noted.
Reiterating Davutoğlu’s statements, Jeremic stressed that Serbia and Turkey share the same vision regarding the establishment of stability and peace in the Balkans and that they will make an effort to ensure “zero problems in the Balkans.” Referring to meetings with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Abdullah Gül, Jeremic said they talked about the advancement of possible bilateral and regional cooperation. Stating his satisfaction with the interest of Turkish banks and companies in building a highway connecting the capital of Belgrade with Sandzak, Jeremic said this project would alter the social and economic dynamic of Sandzak. “This is a strategically big investment that will make Serbia Turkey’s most important partner in the western Balkans,” he said.
