Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated on Thursday that Trkiye is actively working to ensure peace and stability both regionally and globally, emphasizing that Ankara never neglects the Balkans. Speaking at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the presidential complex in Ankara, Erdogan underscored regional engagement and highlighted Turkish efforts to promote peace and stability across the Balkans alongside broader diplomatic initiatives.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan recalled that the fourth High-Level Cooperation Council meeting between Trkiye and Serbia was last convened on October 11, 2024, in Belgrade, and noted significant developments in bilateral relations and regional and global affairs since then. The two leaders assessed the impact of these developments on their relationship and discussed future steps.
Erdogan stressed that in times of rising global uncertainty, Trkiye is committed to ensuring peace and stability and emphasized the importance of maintaining Balkan stability and strengthening regional economic development. He highlighted the growing economic ties between the two countries, stating that Trkiye's trade volume with Serbia reached $3.5 billion last year, with a target of $5 billion.
Erdogan announced that Trkiye would participate in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, expressing confidence that the event would offer additional opportunities to strengthen economic, commercial, and cultural ties. He also pointed to the expansion of Turkish investments in Serbia, with the number of Turkish-capital companies rising from around 100 in 2015 to over 1,500, and investments reaching $300 million. Turkish contractors are involved in housing, road, and infrastructure projects in Serbia.
Erdogan reiterated Trkiye's welcome to Serbian investors and encouraged greater reciprocal investment. He emphasized the strengthening tourism links, noting that Trkiye is the second top tourism destination for Serbians, and Turkish citizens rank first among visitors to Serbia. Discussions included increasing flights between the countries to facilitate travel.
Erdogan acknowledged Serbia's interest in learning Turkish, with institutions such as the Yunus Emre Institute and the Trkiye Maarif Foundation working to meet that demand. He discussed development projects in the Sandzak region, describing it as a bridge of friendship between the two countries, and mentioned Trkiye's commitment to fostering growth there.
He congratulated the Muslim community in Serbia on the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and highlighted Trkiye's efforts to promote regional ownership-based initiatives, citing the Balkan Peace Platform meeting in Istanbul on January 23, 2026. Erdogan expressed gratitude to Vucic for his support for the platform, describing Vucic's visit as highly valuable for advancing regional peace, stability, and prosperity.
Erdogan announced plans to visit Belgrade and Novi Pazar in May or June with a large delegation and hosted a dinner in honor of Vucic following their meeting.