Today, November 22, 2024, the first courtesy meeting was held between Ambassador Aca Jovanović and the Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Turkey Ali Yerlikaya.

During a cordial conversation with the governor of the Ankara province, Vasip Sahin, the ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey, Aca Jovanović, raised important topics of mutual interest regarding the possibility for further development of cooperation between the capitals of the two countries.

At the headquarters of the Council for Higher Education of the Republic of Türkiye, the institution responsible for the issue of higher education in this country, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara, Aca Jovanović, spoke with its president, prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, November 12, 2024.

At the invitation of the Secondary Volleyball School in Ankara, representatives of the Sports Gymnasium from Belgrade are on a one-week visit to the capital of the Republic of Turkey, during which an appropriate reception was held in the premises of the Embassy of Serbia in Ankara on November 6 this year.

In the first courtesy meeting with the Ombudsman of the Republic of Türkiye, Šeref Malkoč, today, October 30, 2024, in Ankara, Ambassador Aca Jovanović expressed satisfaction with the very successful cooperation between the two countries in this area.

Today, October 25, 2024, a meeting of Ambassador Aca Jovanović with representatives of the Association of Businessmen of Ankara Colleges, the president of the association Mehmet Ali Ertugrul and lawyer Hakan Cinar was held at the Embassy.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara, Aca Jovanović, held the first courtesy meeting with the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, today, October 23, 2024.

Today, October 18, 2024, a courtesy meeting between Ambassador Aca Jovanović and the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye in the Republic of Serbia Ilhan Saygılı in the premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara.

Yusuf Tekin Today, October 7, 2024, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara Aca Jovanović, held the first courtesy meeting with the Minister of National Education of the Republic of Türkiye Yusuf Tekin.

11.09.2024.

At the invitation of the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Bursa, Zarif Alp, Ambassador Aca Jovanović paid a visit to this Turkish city.

Sunday, September 8, 2024

Ambassador Jovanović hosted today, in the premises of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara, the Serbian representatives of the volleyball world, the head coach of the men's volleyball team of the Republic of Serbia, Igor Kolaković, who will lead the men's volleyball club "Halk Bank" in Ankara, together with fitness coach Danijel Mišić. The visit was also attended by representatives of the new "Zeren SP" women's volleyball sports club from Ankara, coach Stevan Ljubičić and his associates Danilo Pejović, Arsenije Protić, Dobrica Šopalović and physiotherapist Marko Ninković.

Bilateral political consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tükiye were held on August 26, 2024 in Ankara.

06.08.2024.

During the first meeting with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Bursa, Zarif Alpa, today, August 6, 2024, in the premises of the Embassy in Ankara, Ambassador Aca Jovanović in a cordial conversation expressed his satisfaction with the level of activities undertaken so far, as well as his personal readiness for further continuation of successful cooperation.

30.07.2024.

During the first courtesy meeting on the occasion of the inauguration of the ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Türkiye on July 30, 2024, the interlocutors discussed current issues on the bilateral agenda and confirmed mutual readiness for further strengthening of overall ties.

On the occasion of starting his duty as the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in the Republic of Türkiye Aca Jovanović laid a wreath and paid his respects to the founder of the Republic of Türkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, during the solemn ceremony at Anitkabir.

July 17, 2024

The Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Türkiye, Aca Jovanović, presented the Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at a solemn ceremony in the Presidential Palace in Ankara today, July 17, 2024.

24.11.2023.

Documents required by Turkish citizens when entering the Republic of Serbia:

- A passport valid for at least three months from the date of planned departure from the Republic of Serbia;

- Proof of having financial resources for staying in Serbia. The amount of 50 euros per day of stay is considered sufficient funds, and the proof is cash in the specified amount / bank account statement;

- Health insurance policy for the period of stay in the Republic of Serbia for the amount of medical expenses that cannot be less than 20,000 euros;

When entering the Republic of Serbia, the border authorities may request for inspection:

- Travel agency voucher for tourist trips;

- Return ticket;

- Proof of a paid hotel or private address where the foreigner will stay, as well as other information that becomes important when crossing the border to confirm the purpose of the trip.

Председник Републике Србије Александар Вучић донео је одлуку о расписивању ванредних избора за посланике Народне скупштине, који ће бити одржани 17. децембра 2023. године.

Обавештавају се бирачи који имају боравиште у иностранству да преко дипломатско-конзуларног представништва Републике Србије, најкасније пет дана пре дана закључења јединственог бирачког списка (до 25. новембра 2023. године у поноћ по локалном времену у Србији), могу поднети захтев да се у јединствени бирачки списак упише податак да ће на предстојећим изборима гласати у иностранству.

14.10.2022.

“During the visit of the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to Belgrade, the Ministers of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Türkiye, Aleksandar Vulin and Süleyman Soylu, signed on September 7, 2022. the Protocol No. 1 between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Republic of Türkiye on amendments and additions to the Agreement on mutual abolition of visas signed in Belgrade on July 12, 2010, which provides for the possibility of crossing the state border of the two countries with a valid biometric ID card.

Information about the entry into force of the Protocol in question will be published in a timely manner on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara, after the completion of the necessary internal procedures.

FOR THE TIME BEING THE TRAVEL IS EXCLUSIVELY POSSIBLE ONLY WITH PASSPORT.

Ambassador Markovic gave an interview for Anadoly Agency in the light of the up coming Presidential visit of the President of the Republic of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Vucic to Ankara. You can see the interview here

. 

22 December 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke today with Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey Mustafa Şentop about cooperation and bilateral relations, as well as about the results achieved in project and economic cooperation between Serbia and Turkey.

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today that severe examples of endangering the Serbian cultural, historical and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija are proof of the important role of UNESCO in protecting and preserving heritage.

At the 41st session of the General Conference of UNESCO in Paris, Brnabic emphasized that four jewels of the Serbian medieval cultural heritage in Kosovo – Visoki Decani, Pec Patriarchate, Gracanica and BogorodicaLjeviska, have been preserved thanks to the fact that they are inscribed on the endangered world heritage list. Hundreds of other sites and monuments are endangered.

The Serbian heritage in Kosovo and Metohija is of immeasurable importance, not only for the national identity of Serbia, but also as a part of the esteemed European and world heritage, she underlined. Source/Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

12 November 2021

25 September 2021

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, has stated that in New York he introduced foreign ministers of 28 countries to economic success of Serbia but also to the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, which he also discussed with the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, who told him that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation, with regards to Serbian interests in K&M.

Summarizing results of his visit to New York within the session of the UN General Assembly, Minister Selaković says that one of the last meetings was with Minister Lavrov, which was their third meeting in the previous nine months.

The Serbian Foreign Minister says that he surely used this opportunity, too, to introduce Minister Lavrov to the latest events in northern Kosovo and Metohija, the situation of the dialog between Belgrade and Priština and very clear and unambiguous attitude of President Aleksandar Vučić regarding the continuation of the dialog and subsequent events in K&M.

“We discussed the principled support of the Russian Federation, which is constantly present not just in Moscow, Belgrade, in the field, but also here in the East River, by the delegation of the Russian Federation as the permanent member of the UN Security Council. Of course, we will continue to maintain this type of dialog. What Minister Lavrov said was that we could count on the support of the Russian Federation in future with regards to our interests in K&M”, highlighted Minister Selaković.

He said that he had had the opportunity in New York to hold 33 meetings, of which 28 with ministers of foreign affairs, whom he had introduced also to topicalities related to the latest events in Kosovo and Metohija, but also to our principled position regarding the observance of the international public law, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Minister Selaković said that his colleagues at the meetings had praised the substantial and fantastic success of Serbia in the consolidation of the economic sphere and transformation of what had been on the edge of collapse and economic disaster seven years before to the fastest growing economy in Europe, which Serbia was in the past two years.

He said that most of his interlocutors had supported our reforms and expressed great respect toward what President Aleksandar Vučić and Serbia had done in the previous period.

Many of them, says the Serbian Foreign Minister, showed great interest in the manner in which Serbia organized the figth against Covid 19.

“It was a great pleasure and pride to represent the Republic of Serbia in all these meetings. Many of my colleagues confirmed their arrival to Belgrade to the Conference on 11th and 12th October, which is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the Non-Allied Movement”, said Minister Selaković.

He emphasized that it was not just the evidence of how much they had cared to come to Belgrade to the conference, but also to see and witness the Serbia which after several decades of attempts to fight different challenges rose to its feed, was economically consolidated and turned towards its traditional friends.

“That is a great deal and our country will surely during October be one of the spots on Earth of greatest importance for multilateralism, for cooperation among the countries which share the same values, the values entered into the UN Charter and which are based on the promotion and fight for peace, equality, observance of the international public law and rights of every country to pursue its path to happiness and better and more ordered society in compliance with the wishes of its population”, said Minister Selaković.

He said that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, JeyhunBayramov, would come to Belgrade to the conference on the occasion of the Non-Allied Movement adding that we had strategic cooperation with Azerbaijan and frequent contacts.

“We agreed to realize as soon as possible after the Belgrade conference his bilateral visit to Serbia”, added Minister Selaković.

He said that it had been agreed to intensify the cooperation and finalize the agreements which should be signed and after that realized when the meeting of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Azerbaijan President IlhamAliyev took place.

Minister Selaković says that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had recently received its sector for economic diplomacy and there were great expectations from it and one of the tasks was to deepen the cooperation with Azerbaijan.

26 September 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, has discussed today by phone with the General Secretary of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg about, as the General Secretary said, worrisome situation in northern Kosovo and Metohija.

President Vučić said that Serbia had not violated either Brussels Agreement or Resolution 1244 by anything, by any single move or in any manner jeopardized peace preservation.

“The complete occupation by armored vehicles of northern Kosovo and Metohija has lasted for seven days and it is conducted by Priština and everyone in the international community “are thunderously silent”, said Serbian President. “However, everyone is worried all of a sudden when they spot Serbian helicopters and airplanes at the territory of central Serbia, because apparently they should not exist, or should not take off until they receive the approval from Kurti or someone from the international community”, says President Vučić.

Serbia observes all international agreements it signed, Serbia will always conduct responsibly and seriously, but Serbia is still asking when the formation of SMC will start and when Kurti’s armored units will be withdrawn from northern Kosovo and Metohija.

Finally, with the gratitude to General Secretary Stoltenberg for the fair relation and wish to listen to the Serbian side, President Vučić asked about the norm and international regulation violated by Serbia? Today, yesterday or any time? The two interlocutors agreed to stay in constant touch due to necessity of the preservation of peace and stability in the entire region.

Source/Photo: www.predsednik.rs

25 September 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic warned today that Pristina has seriously jeopardised local and regional stability after sending heavily armed special units to the north of Kosovo who are exerting ` against the peaceful Serbian population. Brnabic spoke at the general debate of world leaders, as part of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. We bring the Prime Minister's speech in its entirety:

Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary General,

Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I have the great honor to address you today on behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Serbia. Esteemed Excellencies Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Mr. Volkan Bozkir and Mr. António Guterres, I would like thank you for the active engagement, dedication, and leadership you have shown during these difficult times for the United Nations and all of humanity. Serbia shares your conviction and we remain fully committed to supporting your efforts.

This year, we come together at a decisive moment in our history. Covid-19 has shaken our foundations to the core. At the same time, we are increasingly witnessing and experiencing effects of climate change. And, finally, we are seeing significant shifts in global partnerships and alliances, trade wars between traditional partners and allies, protectionism instead of openness and free market, and overall uncertainty at an unprecedented scale. Some of the pressing and extremely emotional issues that we have locally, in the Balkans, are still unresolved and while we are trying – and Serbia is especially dedicated to this – to change the future by working together and creating alliances, through initiatives such as the Berlin process or Open Balkan, others are trying to disrupt these processes, and instead of focusing on the future, they want to recreate the past – whatever the cost of that may be.

But, let me start with COVID: COVID-19 pandemic has exposed critical weaknesses in the architecture of global governance. It has threatened to erase the progress many nations have achieved in recent years. It has placed nations at a junction between isolation and collaboration, between panic and hope, between chaos and order. The pandemic questioned some of the basic tenets of the open and cooperative international order. Global exchanges, international communication, cross-border trade have all seen a vast decrease. Curfews, restrictions on freedom and lockdowns of entire societies have created uncertainty in many segments of the individual lives of our citizens or – for that matter – our own individual perception of what freedom in today’s world even means.

For Serbia, this pandemic threatened to undermine everything we have been doing for the past 7 years, to crush all of the results and accomplishments of difficult reforms we initiated in 2014, and to propel us back to the times of high unemployment, rising public debt, uncontrollable deficit, and overall desperation. Much as in any other country, COVID-19 has tested our nations’ resiliency and, this time, unlike during the global financial crisis – which was of much more limited scope and incomparable in consequences to COVID-19 pandemic – Serbia stood strong.

The reforms we undertook in the pre-COVID times made us more resilient than ever. The fiscal consolidation, the budget surplus we had, efficient and predictable investment environment, became a lifeline that saved us from a recession during the pandemic and one that ensured we could support our citizens and our economy during these, most difficult of times. Despite the effects of the crisis, Serbia has managed to preserve financial and economic stability. In 2020, we recorded a decline in GDP of only 0.9% – one of the best results in Europe.

Our public debt remained below 60% of our GDP, average salary continued to grow by almost 10%, while despite the pandemic the number of people employed increased by over 3%. The recovery in this year has been stronger than expected – our GDP will grow approximately 7%, and perhaps even stronger. Prior to the pandemic, we have opened our borders to investment, technology, and ideas, and we managed to create peaceful and stable environment that allowed us to pursue rapid domestic transformation, with innovation and knowledge-based economy as the foundation. The innovative advances we had made allowed us to diversify our capabilities when the virus hit – through e-Government, online education and digital textbooks, or central software system for a successful vaccination rollout. We invested heavily in health infrastructure and strengthened the health system in order to respond to the current crisis, eternally grateful to the health care workers for their dedicated struggle.

Our decision to put geopolitics aside, and people at the center of our policies, is the reason we were able to acquire vaccines quicker than most other nations. We did not discriminate between manufacturers, did not care whether vaccines are from the East or from the West, but chose to negotiate with all vaccine manufacturers deemed safe by regulators. This openness gave us the ability to purchase vaccines from around the world, giving our citizens the unique freedom to choose which vaccine they prefer. Excellencies, Serbia believes in solidarity between nations, multilateralism and helping others when in need. Since the beginning of this year, we have made it our mission to support our neighbors, and all those in need, with COVID-19 vaccines and we have also allowed foreign nationals to come to Serbia to receive the vaccine which will protect their lives.

In total, Serbia has donated or allocated over a million doses of vaccines – of which 230.000 doses to the region; 300.000 doses for foreign nationals which came to Serbia to get vaccinated; and additional 570.000 doses to countries of Africa and Asia. We will keep doing so, to the greatest extent possible, and until COVID-19 is behind all of us. That is why we have also taken steps to acquire the technology to produce at least two types of COVID-19 vaccines to help improve global access so we can all be safe and victorious.

However, as stated by dignitaries of some of the largest nations during this General Assembly, there are other pressing issues that all of us need to keep addressing without any delay and in a bold manner – and that is climate change. Serbia has redoubled its efforts to make our country safer and cleaner for its citizens, and by doing so, contribute to the fight against climate change and for environmental protection. We are strongly committed to the implementation of the sustainable development goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We are committed to global efforts and will continue to work actively to meet our obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. We are about to submit our revised Nationally Determined Contributions to contribute to this critical global effort. We have already announced our intention to reduce greenhouse gasses for at least 33.3% compared to 1990, and 13.2% compared to 2010, which we are currently incorporating into our energy and climate strategic documents.

We work strategically on planning and investments in this sector. These investments are extremely expensive, requiring years and decades of commitment and a systemic approach - but we are clearly set on the path of this transformation. Ladies and gentlemen, Of all the challenges we face, the most worrisome for Serbia is the maintenance of peace and stability in the southern Serbian province of Kosovo and Metohija. For more than two decades, we have been constantly drawing international attention to the problems that non-Albanian population is facing in Kosovo and Metohija. Physical safety, respect for and protection of human rights, especially of minority communities, are far from satisfactory. We are now witnessing a constant increase in the number of attacks targeting Serbs, their property and religious heritage in Kosovo and Metohija. To illustrate, there were 55 such incidents in 2014, 62 in 2016, 71 in 2020, and 100 since the beginning of this year. The total number of attacks in 2020 has already been surpassed by June of this year.

According to the UN, Kosovo and Metohija is still the territory with the least number of returnees (internally displaced Serbs) of all post-conflict areas in the entire world! I will give you just a few examples to depict how life of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija looks like. On the 11th of May the house of Radoje Pumpalović, 81-years old returnee to Kosovo in the village of Dubrava, in Istok municipality, was attacked. This was the 5th attack on him in the same year. Again… he is 81 years old. Since June 2021, multiple attacks were carried out against Dragica Gašić, 59-years old woman, the first Serb returnee in Đakovica after 22 years since the end of the conflict. Attacks include stoning of her apartment, banning her from shopping for food in the local store and petitions by civil society organization demanding her eviction from the city. On 2nd of July, in the village of Gobulji near Vučitrn, a group of Albanians attacked 13-year old Nikola Perić.

The attack occurred when he was returning home from the school playground with three friends. Attacks on Serbian medieval churches, monasteries and monuments in Kosovo and Metohija, make them some of the most endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe. Monastery Visoki Dečani was recently listed, by Europa Nostra, as one of the 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe in 2021. The Advisory Panel of Europa Nostra noted that Dečani is the only monument in Europe under robust military protection for a continuous period of 20 years, although it constitutes a monument of ultimate historical and cultural importance for Europe and the world. This spiral of violence occurring in Kosovo and Metohija culminated at the beginning of this week. On the pretext of enforcing new license plate rules, Priština dispatched heavily armed special units to the north of the province. This is yet another brutal violation of the Brussels Agreement, and this irrational show of force has ignited a major crisis. It disrupted the supply of food and medication to Serb communities in the north of the province. Local Serbs who peacefully gathered to protest this measure were met with tear gas and police brutality, thus seriously threatening local and regional stability. Despite of all the challenges and daily provocations, Serbia remains strongly committed to finding a compromise-based solution that will ensure lasting peace and stability.

Dialogue and the implementation of the agreements reached – are the only proper way to resolve all open issues. However, almost 9 years after reaching the Brussels Agreement, as the 1st agreement on normalization between Belgrade and Priština, the establishment of the Community of Serb Municipalities – the backbone of this agreement – has not yet even begun. I would like to appeal, once again, to the international community, and especially the European Union, as the guarantor of the Brussels Agreement, to firmly insist that the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government in Priština start implementing all of the agreements reached. The Republic of Serbia, by defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity, at the same time defends international law, the UN Charter, legally binding UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and the supreme authority of the Security Council when it comes to the preservation of international peace and security. We attach special importance to the activity of the UN mission in Kosovo and Metohija and expect it to continue to implement its mandate in the Province in accordance with this resolution.

Dear friends,

Our generation shares the common destiny of the modern world, which is becoming increasingly complex in terms of geopolitics, technology, health, climate. In the face of these challenges, Serbia will continue nurturing international partnerships, on a predictable and transparent basis. We will continue pursuing the rule of law reforms on our EU path, which is our strategic foreign policy goal. We see this as inseparable from achieving sustainable peace, stability and prosperity. We will host, together with the Republic of Azerbaijan as the current chair of the Non-Aligned Movement, a commemorative high-level event marking the 60th anniversary of the First Non- Aligned Movement Conference, which was held in Belgrade in 1961.

We are very much looking forward to hosting our friends from all parts of the world in Belgrade in October this year. We will further enhance cooperation across the Balkans, through the Open Balkan initiative and Berlin process, by opening borders, harmonizing differences, and further integrating our region. In conclusion, Over the past 7 years, Serbia has been transformed: we sparked an economic revival, created opportunities for young people, cultivated a tech boom, and improved Serbia’s position abroad. The progress we have made has allowed Serbia to better face and survive the pandemic. The world now faces a turning point. The recovery from COVID-19 and sustainable reconstruction will not proceed if issues, new and old, are not handled by joint forces and collaborative international actions. This pandemic taught us one important lesson: unless all of us are safe, no one is safe – so we can either win together, all of us – regardless of how rich or poor, large or small, from Europe, Asia, Africa, America or Australia, or fail together. But, if anything, the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the issue of climate change, should have taught us to stand together. Thank you.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

23.09.2021.

15.09.2021.

06.06.2021. 

Since September 6, 2021 for domestic flight through Turkey it is necessary to have a vaccine certificate (2 doses) or a negative PCR test done in the last 72 hours. Passengers who do not posess one of these documents, will not be allowed to board a flight

01. Sep 2021

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, attended, together with his Turkish colleague, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the ceremonial opening of the Consulate General of the Republic of Turkey in Novi Pazar today.

Selaković conveyed to everyone present the cordial greetings and a message from the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and emphasized that the President's message is not only in words, but also in his policy, in which Serbia's relations with Turkey are very important, as are our relations with our neighbors, friends, brothers and sisters Bosniaks.

The head of Serbian diplomacy said that this year marks 142 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Turkey and that we are proud that at this time our two countries are recording the highest level of relations characterized by trust, friendship and mutual cooperation.

"I am completely convinced that the future work of the Consulate General of Turkey in Novi Pazar will give a serious contribution to the development of that cooperation, but also a significant contribution to the further economic development of all municipalities in this region", said Minister Selaković.

He stated that he is trying to make the economic successes of Serbia and its progress felt by our fellow Bosniaks at every step.

"Our policy, the policy of development when it comes to this region, which Bosniaks call Sandzak, and we Serbs Raska, but we all live together in harmony and peace, is a policy, not of empty words, but of concrete results", said Minister Selaković.

He emphasized that the relations between Serbia and Turkey were marked by a serious personal relationship, a feeling of friendship and trust between the two presidents, Aleksandar Vučić and RecepTayyip Erdoğan.

"This example is an excellent example for every Serb and every Bosniak and Turk, because both Serbia and Turkey share the same vision of a peaceful and prosperous Balkans", said Minister Selaković.

The head of Serbian diplomacy also spoke about the significant trade exchange between Serbia and Turkey, which reached 1.32 billion euros last year, in the midst of the corona virus pandemic, as well as about significant investments in the construction of a general hospital and reconstruction of the "Bratstvo" school in Novi Pazar, as well as in the traffic infrastructure in this part of Serbia.

Turkish Foreign Minister MevlütÇavuşoğlu conveyed the cordial greetings of Turkish President RecepTayyipErdoğan and said that today is a historic day, and that the opening of the Consulate General in Novi Pazar will further improve ties and cooperation between Serbia and Turkey.

"Relations between Serbia and Turkey have reached the highest level in modern history, and the opening of the Consulate General is just one of the results of those good relations", said Minister Çavuşoğlu, reminding that in 2019, the presidents of Serbia and Turkey announced its opening.

He emphasized that he was happy that Bosnia and Herzegovina would also open its Consulate General in Novi Pazar.

A video address by President Erdoğan was also broadcast at the ceremony, who said that everyone testified that a strong emotional connection affects the relations between Turkey and Serbia, and said that the consulate in Novi Pazar would also reflect on the connection between the two countries.

According to him, a prosperous future awaits the Balkan peoples if they act in the spirit of friendship, solidarity and cooperation.

31. Aug 2021.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikola Selaković, talked today with his Turkish colleague, MevlütÇavuşoğlu, and assessed that the overall cooperation between the two countries is extremely good and that it is at the highest level in our modern history.

At a joint press conference, Minister Selaković said that the cooperation was extremely good thanks to the excellent personal relations between the Presidents of Serbia and Turkey, Aleksandar Vučić and RecepTayyip Erdoğan, whose meeting he expects by the end of the year.

"Serbia is open to strengthening relations and cooperation with the Republic of Turkey, and a very important place in strengthening those relations and their development is occupied by the good practice of holding the High Council for Cooperation between our two countries", said Minister Selaković.

He stated that he talked with his Turkish colleague about complex regional issues, that they exchanged positions and assessments of the situation in the region, and that he also informed him about the current situation regarding the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

"We have unequivocally agreed that all open issues should be resolved through dialogue and peacefully", underlined Minister Selaković.

He said that the Republic of Serbia views the Republic of Turkey as a very important actor in ensuring peace and stability in our region.

"In the future, we will continue to cooperate, to help each other, and only in that way can we benefit and improve our friendly relations", stressed Minister Selaković, who expects the next meeting with his Turkish counterpart in October.

Minister Selaković announced that he and his Turkish counterpart would attend the ceremonial opening of the Turkish Consulate General in Novi Pazar, and that Minister Çavuşoğlu would visit the section of the highway between Novi Pazar and Tutin, where Turkish companies are working.

Minister Selaković emphasized that the opening of the Turkish consulate in Novi Pazar is certainly a confirmation of a level of trust that exists between the two countries.

He stated that Serbia and Turkey, despite the corona virus pandemic in 2020, recorded a record trade exchange of 1.320 billion euros, which in the first six months of this year exceeded 765 million euros, while the medium-term goal is to reach two billion euros.

Minister Selaković said that Serbia and Turkey have increased the volume of trade fivefold in the last ten years, and that the inflow of Turkish direct investments has significantly increased.

Minister Çavuşoğlu thanked Minister Selaković for the warm welcome, as well as President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić at the reception.

He pointed out that there are excellent relations between Serbia and Turkey and that they are improving every day, and said that the two countries have an important role in the stability of the region.

The Turkish chief of diplomacy stated that he conveyed to the Serbian hosts the invitation of the Turkish president to participate in the meeting of the high-level Cooperation Council, which is to be held in Turkey for the third time.

He emphasized the importance of opening a Turkish consulate in Novi Pazar and assessed that it would be of great importance for developing relations, and he also spoke about the importance of opening an office in Nis as assistance for Turkish citizens passing through Serbia.

The Turkish minister emphasized that the trade exchange is increasing every day, that the two countries have mutually accepted corona virus vaccination certificates, which he believes will have a very favorable effect on tourism, as well as on the effort to make travel easier for the citizens of the two countries, using only ID cards.

 Answering a journalist's question about the situation in B&H, Minister Selaković said that any kind of constructive approach and promotion of dialogue as a means to resolve all open issues and problems in the region is something that Serbia has supported and will continue to support, and Minister Çavuşoğlu stressed that peace, stability, productivity and a good situation in all countries of the region are important for Turkey.

31 August 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, today met with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and, in separate talks on strengthening bilateral and economic relations, agreed that there is ample room for boosting cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of energy, tourism, culture and education.

President Vučić expressed satisfaction with the achieved level of bilateral relations featured by intensive political dialogue, deepened cooperation and mutual trust and respect.

President Vučić particularly highlighted the personal contribution of President Erdoğan, which resulted in the arrival of numerous Turkish investors in Serbia, as well as the importance of the Joint Committee for Economic Cooperation, which strengthened ties between our two countries and can make an additional economic contribution. The interlocutors agreed that it is necessary to intensify the work of this Committee in the forthcoming period.

"Investments of Turkish companies in Serbia in the last two years are intensifying with the prospect of further growth, and in that sense, I welcome Turkey's growing interest in investing in the Serbian economy, as well as the implementation of a series of investments in underdeveloped parts of Serbia," said President Vučić, adding his hopes that this positive trend would continue, especially in terms of infrastructure.  

Minister Çavuşoğlu conveyed President Erdoğan's greetings and invited President Vučić to visit Turkey.

The interlocutors agreed that the exceptional personal and professional relationship between the two presidents significantly contributes to the development of political, economic and all other ties between Serbia and Turkey and that there is much room in the relations between the two countries for the improvement of cooperation in the fields of energy, tourism, culture and education.

Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić pointed out during talks with the Turkish head of diplomacy that the relations between Serbia and Turkey are at an extremely high level, thanks to the intensive dialogue, understanding, mutual support, as well as the exceptional personal and professional relationship between Presidents Aleksandar Vucic and Tayyip Erdogan.

The Prime Minister said that, thanks to the personal engagement of President Erdogan, Turkish investors were encouraged to invest in Serbia.

Emphasising that there is exceptional cooperation with Turkish companies, she cited the example of the takeover of the new plant and workers of the company Geox by the Turkish company Teklas, as an exceptional type of support to citizens and the country in which it operates.

Also of special importance, as she stated, is the interest of Turkish companies for investing in less developed municipalities, which greatly contributes to raising the standard of living.

The head of Turkish diplomacy assessed that Turkish companies are satisfied with the business conditions in Serbia and that there is increased interest in investing, primarily in the energy sector, but also tourism, for which he expressed the expectation that a significant area of ​​cooperation will remain after the pandemic.

Brnabic expressed support to the Turkish Agency for Cooperation and Coordination (TIKA), which is working on the renovation of many cultural and historical monuments in Serbia, and Cavusoglu pointed out that the agency would continue the restoration of monuments in our country, inviting local governments to submit their projects.

www.predsednik.rs

www.srbija.gov.rs

14 August 2021 

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, sent a telegram of condolences to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in which he said:

"I am deeply shocked by the terrible images of the destructive power of the water that took dozens of lives in Turkey. Serbia is always ready to provide friendly help and support, sympathizing with the families of the victims. I am convinced that Turkey will bravely face the consequences of this catastrophe and that people from the endangered areas will soon be able to return to their homes",the telegram of condolences from President Vučić to President Erdogan reads.

Source/Photo: www.predsednik.rs

5 August 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, attended the marking of the Remembrance Day of all the victims and expelled Serbs in the armed operation"Storm" and said that Serbia remembers!

"Today, when we remind ourselves again of what happened in August 1995, the terrible pogrom, the expulsion of more than 250,000 Serbs, the exodus and ethnic cleansing, we, at the same time, and finally, remind ourselves of who we are, what we are, where we come from and where we are going. Thank you all for being here together tonight and for showing how much we love our people", said President Vučić, adding that we will not forget any of the things that the Krajina people had to go through.

"For us, these are not just terrible numbers of victims", said President Vučić and emphasized that Serbia will not forget.

"History has never been rewritten like today. That is why I want to remind us all not only of what others have done to us, not wanting us to exist, but also of what we have done to ourselves, just as if we ourselves did not want to exist", said the President, noting that we must never again allow Serbia to forget its silent heroes.

President Vučić emphasized that we must never again cover our eyes, ears, and mouths in front of something that truly was a pogrom and the downfall of all humanity.

"Pretending that this is not true, avoiding saying it, is a crime not only against the victims, but also against ourselves, every living Serb, people from Krajina, as well as Serbia and its future", said President Vučić and underlined that people can stand up straight and live with themselves and the others without hesitation, fear and doubt, only if they remember.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia must fight for peace and cradles with children, as well as that not remembering annuls and erases us from the history and the future, depriving us of the right to tomorrow.

"Our mission is a happy future for us and for the new generations! Today's Serbia is based on a clear identity and a culture of remembrance", said President Vučić and reminded that everything that had been neglected for decades had been done, and that a strong Serbia has become the master of its own destiny.

"Eternal glory to you, Serbian martyrs who perished in the"Storm"and all other pogroms. Your children are in their Serbia, taken care of, loved and successful. Sleep peacefully, Serbian falcons, the future of your children is our vow", concluded President Vučić and thanked everyone who showed that night how much they love their country and that Serbia remembers.

Source:www.predsednik.rs

Photo:www.predsednik.rs

30 July 2021

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, talked on the phone with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and expressed his condolences over the victims of the fires that are ravaging the Turkish coast. President Vučić also expressed his readiness for our country, within its capabilities, to help stop the fire, as well as to eliminate its consequences.

Thanking for the friendly support, President Erdoğan, knowing that many Serbian tourists are staying in resorts on the coast there, said that the Turkish authorities are doing everything for their safety. The two statesmen stated that the bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey are at a high level, especially their economic cooperation, expressing hope that, with the existing possibilities, it will significantly advance.

President Vučić and President Erdoğanalso discussed the situation in the region. In this regard, President Vučić expressed expectation that President Erdoğanand Turkey will continue to support the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, as the only way to resolve, for Serbia, the sensitive issue of Kosovo and Metohija. On this occasion, President Erdoğanconfirmed that he fully supports the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina.

The two officials also discussed various global issues, with the conviction that circumstances will soon allow them to meet and continue their meaningful conversation. President Vučić invited President Erdoğanto visit Serbia, which the Turkish head of state accepted and confirmed that he would visit our country.

Source:www.predsednik.rs

Photo:www.predsednik.rs

16 July 2021 

The President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, received the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey today, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, with whom he discussed the possibilities for improving cooperation between the two countries in that area.

Minister Ersoy conveyed President Erdogan's greetings to President Vučić. Returning the greetings, President Vučić expressed satisfaction with the achieved high level of bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey, as well as gratitude to President Erdogan for his personal engagement in strengthening the Serbian-Turkish cooperation. He pointed out that Serbia is determined to continue building good relations with Turkey. He also stated that tourism is a mirror of those good relations, because tourists from Turkey spend the largest number of nights in Serbia, while Turkey is among the most popular destinations for tourists from Serbia. President Vučić expressed hope that, despite the currentCOVID-19 pandemic, positive trends in tourism will continue.

The two interlocutors proposed concrete measures to improve tourism activities between Serbia and Turkey, and they also discussed opportunities to increase the level of investments in the field of tourism.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo:www.predsednik.rs

26.07.2021.

Foreign citizens are allowed to enter the Republic of Serbia provided that they have one of the following documents: Negative RT-PCR test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus or negative Antigen FIA Rapid test if the person is coming from USA  not older than 48 hours from the date of issue (if there is a delay in entering the Republic of Serbia, which cannot be attributed to passenger guilt but is a consequence of an external event which could not have been foreseen, avoided or eliminated - flight delay, departure of buses, trains, etc., then the test cannot be older than 72 hours when entering the Republic of Serbia);

Certificate of complete vaccination issued by the Republic of Serbia, i.e. a foreign country with which the Republic of Serbia has concluded an agreement on the recognition of vaccination (GREECE, HUNGARY, ROMANIA, SLOVENIA *, TURKEY, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, CZECH REPUBLIC) or with which there is de facto reciprocity in recognition on vaccination (CROATIA, SLOVAKIA, EGYPT, MOROCCO, CYPRUS, LEBANON, MOLDOVA, SAN MARINO, TUNISIA);

Certificate of COVID-19 disease - a certificate or other public document stating that the holder of the document has contracted a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, i.e. that the person has been diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, provided that the first test may not be less than 14 days, nor more than six months and issued by the Institute of Public Health established for the territory of the Republic of Serbia, or the competent authority of the state with which the Republic of Serbia has concluded an agreement or de facto reciprocity on recognition of such documents: GERMANY, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SWITZERLAND, DENMARK, LUXEMBOURG, SPAIN, AUSTRIA, BULGARIA, GREECE, ANDORRA, SAN MARINO, SLOVENIA, TUNISIA, TURKEY, ROMANIA.

22 July 2021

 We have decided – our goal was and remains the EU, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said in an interview with the German daily "Handelsblatt",adding that there is no alternative for Serbia, but also stressing that China is an important partner for Serbia, and that the task of the state is to take care about the interests of its citizens.

He thus answered the question of what Serbia will choose once it has to choose between close relations with Beijing or the EU. Vučić emphasized that Serbia wants to become a full member of the EU.

"We are connected by history, common culture, EU members are already undoubtedly our most important partners", he explained and added that the trade exchange between Germany and China is 3,000 times higher than between Serbia and China, and, as he noted, even despite that, Serbia's business operations with China are portrayed as a problem.

To the statement that the German Chancellor Angela Merkel did not congratulate the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, and that he did so, he replied that Serbia is not Germany, but a small country. On additional insistence on what Serbia will do if it has to choose between the EU and China, he underlined that Serbia has already decided, that its goal was and remains the EU membership.

"Our biggest investors are from the EU. The EU accounts for 67% of our trade while 17 percent of the trade is with countries of the region that are all on the way to the EU. We cannot survive without the EU", he added.

"But can we do a lot of good things with China – of course. And we do that, just like Germany does", Vučić pointed out, and to the remark that the quality of the Silk Road projects was being criticized, primarily because of Chinese workers, he answered that the quality of roads or bridges, which Serbia is building with China, is excellent.

"We give jobs to those who submit the best offer to us. That is why I tell Europeans who criticize Chinese projects in our country – offer us a project for one euro more and you will get it", he emphasized.

In that regard, he pointed out that Serbia is building a railway to Northern Macedonia with 600 million euros of EU aid, stating that that offer was better than China's.

"There is often talk of a 180-kilometer railway to Budapest through the territory of Serbia, which is financed by China. But the railway that is being built with the help of the EU from Belgrade to the northern Macedonian border is twice as long and no one is talking about it. It is all too political", he stated.

Asked whether he welcomes the plans of the EU and the USA regarding an alternative initiative to the Silk Road, Vučić said that he supports everything that brings advantages to our region.

"The Chinese want to expand their presence everywhere, but many processes in the West are, frankly, more efficient and without problems. We still have a lot to learn from the West, but we are getting there", Vučić said.

He pointed out that China was an important partner for Serbia and added that when the consolidation of state finances began in 2014, our country received good conditions from China for development projects.

He also stated that a competition for a copper mine was announced in eastern Serbia, at the request of the EU, that no European company had made an offer for six months, and that it had then been taken over by the Chinese.

"Our job is to take care of our people", he said.

He reminded that the Serbian economy grew by 52% in eight and a half years, which for the EU means that Serbia could be a strong member and engine for the entire region.

Explaining how Serbia is developing so well economically, he pointed out that Serbia has an excellent workforce, which speaks English, that society and administration are digitalized, and that it has the most flexible labor law in Europe, as well as consolidated public finances.

He reminded that previously the public debt was at 78% of GDP, and that today it has been reduced, thanks to the strong growth of the economy, to 52%. "We can afford to give investors an incentive to come", he added, emphasizing that Serbia offers investment assistance, but that, for example, subsidies were not the motive for the arrival of the development center of the companyContinental.

He pointed out that, five or six years ago, only Serbia started using the dual education systemin this region, which Germany, Switzerland and Austria also use, that tens of thousands of people are in dual education, and that this is appreciated by foreign investors, who, in addition, can work closely with universities as well.

Germany, he stated, is the most important trade partner and the largest investor.

We started with the arrival of small textile companies from Turkey, and now primarily large German companies are coming. Today, 71,000 people work in German companies in Serbia", he explained.

Vučić said that the European perspective is very important for investors, stating that Nidek, Toyo Tires or Mitsubishi are coming from Japan to Serbia because our country is on a stable European path.

Asked if he believes that Serbia will become an EU member in the foreseeable future, he said that he does not complain.

"It is certain that if we had received 45 billion euros of EU aid, we would have been much further economically. Instead, we received 1.6 billion euros from the EU. We are used to achieving our successes on our own", said Vučić.

The President of Serbia reminded that in Croatia, salaries used to be 2.2 times higher than in Serbia, and today they are only 1.7 times higher.

"We are closing the gap with our own efforts. If we were to become a member of the EU, then we would certainly not ask for the biggest subsidies", he assures. He said that the Serbian path follows the German path to Europe, and that Serbia wants a fair chance.

"I believe Merkel's words. She is at the end of her term and I would not have to praise her anymore. But she gave us stability, freedom of travel to the EU, helped us with the migrant crisis in 2015, and asked the Minister of Economy Altmeier and others to work closely with us", he reminded.

Asked if there were any indications that the new German government would support Serbia in the same way, Vučić expressed confidence that it would be the same.

"I know Armin Laschet, I talked to him while he was the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia.He is very smart and understands the situation in the Balkans, and he will certainly continue Merkel's policy towards our region as the new chancellor", he added.

Vučić also expressed his belief that Russia, if Serbia's accession to the EU were concretized, would not react similarly as in the case of Ukraine, as this is a sovereign decision of Serbia.

To an additional question in this regard, Vučić pointed out that whenever he met with Vladimir Putin, and there were 18 or 19 meetings, he told him that he was grateful for the traditionally close friendship with Russia, but also that Serbia is on a clear course towards the EU.

"He asked if it was our choice and I answered that EU membership is indeed our goal", he added.

When it comes to "Kosovo", Vučić emphasized that a compromise is needed regarding this issue.

"Only in this way can there be sustainable peace. Serbia wants peace, me as well. Let's stop with the madness of the past. Only then can the whole region become the engine of new growth for Europe", said Vučić.

Source: Tanjug

20 July 2021

The Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, stated at a gathering dedicated to digitalization and the IT sector, which was held in New York, that since she became Prime Minister, she is most proud of Serbia's success in the field of digitalization.

Brnabić, who is on a two-day visit to the United States, said that when she was elected Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government in August 2016, she wanted to do everything to change the public administration and what bothered her as a citizen.

She stated that, when she took office as Prime Minister, she knew what her priorities were and that first of all, digitalization needed to be raised to a higher level, that the education reform was supposed to begin, as well as work on strengthening the economy.

I believed in a country that believes in its people, because the Serbian people are creative. From 1 June 2017, we started working as an e-Government, i.e.we started exchanging data electronically, said the Prime Minister.

According to her, our citizens no longer had to go to, say, the Tax Administration, and since then, the public administration has exchanged 50 million documents, which means that citizens did not have to go from office to office for 50 million papers.

Brnabić pointed out that she is proud of what has been done in the field of education since she became the head of the Government, specifying that in September 2017, programming was introduced as a compulsory subject in primary schools.

Nobody believed that we could do that, but we cooperated with the private sector and some social organizations and we succeeded. At the moment, we are far ahead of numerous countries in Europe and the world, said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister pointed out that she was most proud when the cornerstone was laid for the science and technology park in southern Serbia, noting that so far, our country has four science and technology parks.

She pointed out that Serbia has since become one of the most successful countries in the world in the field of technology, and that according to some parameters, it is among the ten countries in the world, or among the five, assessing that this is proof that the country can change quickly.

Answering the question about vaccination, the Prime Minister emphasized that our country has never seen it as a geopolitical issue, but as a health issue.

According to her, Serbia talked with producers from both the East and the West and was among the first European countries to sign agreements with the company Pfizer-BioNTech and Sinopharm.

Unfortunately, many countries have viewed this issue as geopolitical. It did not matter to us, as long as the vaccines were safe, the Prime Minister emphasized and added that this was not the end of Serbia's success, because good organization was also needed.

Brnabić explained that the organization is another important thing in vaccination, because it is a logistically very difficult process, adding that, with the help of digitalization, success has been achieved and that everything we did in the previous years has paid off.

She stated that Serbia quickly established a system through which citizens could express interest in vaccination against the coronavirus and choose which vaccine they wanted to receive, as well as to be informed by a message when to go and get vaccinated.

Now I can log in on my phone, to see how many people have received the vaccine, how many more have registered, so that the effects of digitalization are obvious. We have made everything very efficient and easy for our citizens, the Prime Minister explained.

Answering the question of what she can tell other countries of the world about how to progress faster, Brnabić said that it is important to invest as much as possible in digitalization and education.

You need to teach children how to think, not what to think. Not all children will become IT experts, but what they can learn is an algorithmic way of thinking and how to make decisions, she said.

The Prime Minister mentioned investing in high-speed internet and providing infrastructure for start-ups as an important thing for progress, because more and more economies will be based on start-ups and innovations, emphasizing that people should be helped to start companies and implement their ideas.

Speaking about social networks, she pointed out that fake news has become the biggest problem on these networks and that it will remain so for some time.

This is the biggest challenge I face as Prime Minister, especially during the corona virus pandemic, she said, adding that social networks are also a great opportunity for politicians to communicate with citizens.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo:www.srbija.gov.rs

16.07.2021.

Ambassador Zoran Markovic, in the presence of the governor of the Alanya district, Fatih Urkmezer, the mayor of Adem Murat Yucel, and the honorary consul, Oktay Karaca, officially opened the consulate.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials from Antalya and Alanya, honorary consuls, and representatives of the tourism and business sectors.

Ambassador Markovic pointed out that Alanya is a very important region of the Republic of Turkey with huge potential, which is visited by more and more citizens of Serbia every year. “I firmly believe that our dear Oktay is the right choice for this position and that with him at the head of the consulate, relations between our two friendly countries will gain additional momentum, not only in the field of tourism, but also in all other sectors where Serbia and Turkey can cooperate.

Mr. Oktay Karaca is well known to everyone in Antalya as a successful businessman, committed to his vision, so we expect that he will give his full contribution in terms of improving our relations.

Mr. Karaca stated "that he would like to especially thank the support and presence of high-ranking officials from the city of Alanya,on whoses full cooperation he counts on in the future, in his new capacity. I am honored and pleased to have the opportunity today to greet and host dear colleagues, representatives of other countries as well as representatives of career consulates in Antalya and Alanya.

I highly appreciate the presence of media representatives, who are an indispensable link in the promotion of friendship between Serbia and Turkey, and I expect them to follow my work in the future, and I will always be open for cooperation. In order not to go any further, I will let my deeds speak about me in the future, and now I invite you to enjoy this moment together. " Karaca stated.

The Mayor of Alanya, Adem Murat Yucel, emphasized the great importance of opening the Honorary Consulate of Serbia in Alanya, primarily due to cooperation in terms of tourism, but also economic and business relations, emphasizing also the fact that this is the 11th Honorary Consulate opened in Alanya.

14.07.2021.

Today, the Committee on Foreign Economic Relations DEIK organized a Panel of Acknowledgments to diplomatic representatives of countries that stood in defense of the achievements of democracy and provided support and trust to the Republic of Turkey after the failed military coup on July 11, 2016.

The panel was organized to mark five years since the failed military coup, called the " July 15: Cooperation Based on Trust Panel & Special Thanks Ceremony".

Ambassador Markovic attended today's panel and was presented with a DEIK plaque, from the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yavuz Selim Kiran, stating that they, as representatives of the private sector in Turkey, highly appreciate the contribution, cooperation and support provided by the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey in its most difficult moments.

June 30, 2021

DAH Theater from Belgrade attended the International Balkan Countries Theater Festival in Bursa with their performance `For Your Own Good. The audience greeted the perfomance with the standing ovations.

Theater company was welcomed by Serbian Honorary Consul in Bursa Mr. Zarif Alp who organized for the company and  the Festival`s Coordinator Ms. Anxhela Bregu to the premises of the Consulate in Bursa.

17 June 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovictook part today in Antalya in the Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process participants.

Selakovic underlined that the key foreign policy and strategic goal of our country was to achieve full membership of the European Union.

“I hope that the European Union will continue to support the process of integration of SEECP participants into the EU, which will, I am confident, bring lasting stability and prosperity to the region and help the consolidation and development of Europe as a whole”, Selakovic said.

The Minister pointed out that peace and stability had no alternative, representing the guiding star on the path of our region towards the European Union. Furthermore, he emphasized in particular that Belgrade was determined to resolve all open issues through dialogue and in good faith - as a responsible and predictable partner, and in line with the principles of international law.

“We need to make sure that what is agreed upon is also respected and fulfilled on the ground later on, because our agreements primarily concern the well-being of our peoples, but they also reflect who we are and what kind of future we want”, the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

Selakovic stated that Serbia devoted full attention to the promotion of regional cooperation and good-neighbourly relations, stressing that the strengthening of economic ties within the region also contributed to the relaxation of existing political relations.

“Through participation in various formats we have committed to undertake the necessary reforms and promote regional cooperation in numerous areas, and among them, as particularly important and being in the general interest of the entire region, I would like to underline the joint infrastructure projects in the transport and energy sectors”, Selakovic said.

As concrete positive results of regional cooperation, the Minister underlined the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), the Western Balkans Fund, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office, the Southeast Europe Transport Community, the Western Balkans Chamber Investment Forum, and the signing of the "Agreement on the Price Reduction of the Roaming Services in the Western Balkan region".

Selakovic commended in particular the establishment of “Green Lanes” in our region during the coronavirus pandemic, while pointing out that it was now necessary to enable their extension to border crossings with neighbouring EU member states.

The Minister also stated that Serbia welcomed the Common Regional Market Action Plan and added that this document was largely based on concrete proposals stemming from the initiative launched by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in cooperation with the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia.

In addition, Selakovic emphasized that Serbia had demonstrated its commitment to enhancing regional cooperation with its neighbours in the region - by sending vaccine shipments and enabling vaccination in Serbia,

“So far, Serbia has sent 120,000 vaccines to the region and vaccinated around 65,000 citizens from countries of the region on its territory, which means that we have provided a total of around 200,000 vaccines for our neighbours”, the Minister said.

In his statement, the Head of Serbian diplomacy also touched upon the importance of theRegional Cooperation Council which, as a pivotal regional initiative, provided concrete results and contributed to achieving economic progress and deepening cooperation,andsaid that he expected that the implementation of the South East Europe 2030 Strategy, once it is adopted, would benefit our region.

Selakovic congratulated Turkey on its successful chairmanship and wished Greece every success as the upcoming chair.

Official delegation of the Republic of Serbia led by Minister Tomislav Momirovic visited Ankara on 22-23 June 2021 upon the invitation of the Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Adil Karaismailoglu.

The Delegation held official meetings with the host side, during which the two parties exchanged views on most important issues of cooperation and projects aimed at furthering the already excellent cooperation based upon the exceptional relations existing among the two nations.

The minister and his accompanying delegation also visited the mausoleum and final resting place of the founder of modern Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the Anatkabir.

17 June 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic stated today, after the plenary meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) held in Antalya, that the Joint Declaration, the Strategic Document for South-East Europe and the annual report of the Council for Regional Cooperation were unanimously adopted at this meeting.

Speaking to the press, Brnabic said that the plenary meeting was marked by two things – the fact that even Pristina voted for all documents, although Kosovo is marked in them with an asterisk, and also that President of the interim institutions in Pristina Vjosa Osmani referred to the Brussels Agreement at one moment.

Brnabic underlined that in the Strategic Document for South-East Europe, in every place where “Kosovo” is mentioned, it is marked with an asterisk and a footnote.

It is also interesting that at one moment Osmani invoked the Brussels Agreement and said that according to it, asterisk is not put every time, but only the first time “Kosovo” is mentioned.

We see now that the Kosovo side invokes the Brussels Agreement when it suites them, and when it doesn’t suit them, then the agreement doesn’t exist. That is why I hope they will finally return to the Brussels Agreement, first and foremost in order to form the Community of Serb Municipalities, the Prime Minister underlined.

That has been constructive from them today and totally contrary to everything it could be heard in the Pristina parliament – that they would not allow the adoption of such documents.

Brnabic said that the meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was very good and that Erdogan once more sent an invitation to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to visit Turkey.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

June 17, 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic met today in Antalya, ahead of her participation in the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit, with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The two officials noted that the two countries have close relations which are based on the friendship of the two presidents.

Erdogan said that he is looking forward to the visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, which should take place in the coming period.

Brnabic expressed gratitude for Turkey’s donations during the pandemic. Economic cooperation, joint infrastructural projects and cultural cooperation were also discussed.

Ambassador Markovic was present at the meeting as well. 

Photo source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Obavestavamo sve zainteresovane da ce muzicka grupa Dah Theatre iz srbije nastupati sa igrom ZA TVOJE DOBRO u sredu, 30. juna 2021 godine u Bursi u sklopu 8. Internacionalnog Pozorisnog Festivala Balkanskih drzava. 

Zainteresovani mogu da rezervisu svoje mesto do 18. juna pozivom na telefone: 2021: 0 224 222 89 10/115 ili 0 (312) 310 19 45 1129.

We would like to inform that the Musical Group Dah Theathe from Serbia will preform with a play FOR YOUR OWN GOOD on Wedensday, June 30, 2021 at 20.30 pm in the scope of the 8th International Balkan Countries Theatre Festival in Bursa.

Reserve your place by calling the number until June 18, 2021: 0 224 222 89 10/115 or 0 (312) 310 19 45 1129.

09. June 2021. 

Dear Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen, members of the delegations I would point to a few ongoing issues in my speech that refer to the competences of the Mechanism, namely, the possibility of serving the sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia, with the current practice of disabling early release of the sentenced persons as well as obligation of the Mechanism regarding protection of sentenced persons.

The second part of the speech will be dedicated to issues that are opened by the six –month Report on the work of the Mechanism by Mechanism President Mr. Agius and Report by the Chief Prosecutor Mr. Serge Brammertz, especially regarding current cooperation of the Republic of Serbia and the Mechanism.

The third part of my speech, and I noticed that in many of your statements even today, is going to be the view of Serbia on everything that took place in The Hague Tribunal and what the Tribunal verdicts brought to people in the region of former Yugoslavia.

The Republic of Serbia has initiated before the Security Council, on several occasions, the issue of possibility of serving sentences passed by the ICTY and Mechanism in the Republic of Serbia. Beside the efforts to move this issue from “square one”, not a single response was obtained from the Security Council. The majority of persons that are serving their prison sentences are citizens of the Republic of Serbia, and it comes naturally that the Republic of Serbia is interested in enabling them to serve their prison sentences in the Republic of Serbia.

ICTY and the Mechanism are making references to the Security Council as an institution in charge of dealing with this issue. I am ready to reiterate here the readiness of the Republic of Serbia to take over obligations and liability for executing prison sentences that the Tribunal or Mechanism passed on the citizens of the Republic of Serbia, under the monitoring of the Mechanism and full respect for the authority of the Mechanism regarding early release.

Mr. President

A particular problem that we are facing with is disturbance by the judicial institutions established in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija, which is within Serbia and which is under Interim Administration of the UN. We are witnesses of attempts of retrial for two citizens that are serving their prison sentences for which they had already been trialed before the ICTY. More concretely, in previous period there was an attempt for hearing of Nebojša Pavković and for obtaining extradition of Vlastimir Đorđević.

I urge on the Mechanism and Security Council to prevent attempts of violation of the principle ne bis in idem, a civilization principle that was confirmed in Article 7 (1) of the Statute of the Mechanism and to disable retrials for persons already convicted by the ICTY, particularly to make sure that it is not done in the territory which is under interim UN administration.

Mr. President,

President of the Mechanism (Mr. Carmel Agius), apart from the regular Report, delivered also on 11 May 2021 a letter to the President of the Security Council, whose subject is the alleged omission of the Republic of Serbia to apprehend and turn over to the Mechanism PetarJojić and Vjerica Radeta, indicted of contempt of court, claiming that in this way the Republic of Serbia was acting contrary to its obligations towards the UNSC Resolution 1966 (2010) and asking the Security Council to take measures in order to ensure that Serbia meets the alleged obligations in accordance with the Mechanism Statue and Resolution 1966.

The point of the argumentation of the President of the Mechanism comes to that that the Republic of Serbia has the obligation to deprive of liberty and extradite to the Mechanism its citizens accused of contempt of court, regardless of the nature of accusation, circumstances under which such an order was made and consequences that might result from its implementation.

It is about accusations that do not refer to sever violations of international humanitarian law and that are related to a case before the ICTY, which ended in 2018 (Vojislav Šešelj case), by acquitting the defendant in the first instance, and upon the Prosecutor’s complaint the defendant was declared guilty and sentenced to a 10-year imprisonment, which was covered by the time he spent at the UN Detention Unit.

Judge Agius states that Serbia ignores its obligations in accordance with the Resolution 1966 (2010). Quite the opposite- the Republic of Serbia takes seriously its obligations regarding cooperation with the Mechanism. After the warrant for apprehension and extradition of the two persons accused of contempt of court to the Mechanism had been introduced, the Higher Court in Belgrade established that assumptions for their apprehension and extradition to the Mechanism had not been met. The decision is founded on the rules of international law and domestic law of the Republic of Serbia and it is mandatory for holders of the executive power in the Republic of Serbia.

I would remind here that the first decision of a sole judge (Aydin SefaAkay, 12 June 2018), that was acting in this case was that the criminal prosecution of V. Radeta and P. Jojić for alleged contempt of court was to be forwarded to the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia. In procedures that followed, the argument of the alleged unwillingness of the witnesses to cooperate with the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia was stated for the first time, and the decision on deprivation of transferring the case to the jurisdiction of the judicial authorities of the Republic of Serbia was based on the respective argument.

The Republic of Serbia expressed its readiness to take over the court procedure against PetarJojić and Vjerica Radeta on several occasions and it provided appropriate guarantees. Additionally, the Republic of Serbia fully recognizes and accepts the obligation of the Mechanism to monitor trials that were transferred to national courts with the help of international and regional organizations, as well as to take measures envisaged by Article 6 of the Statute of the Mechanism.

I would remind here that the Republic of Serbia extradited to the tribunal all the persons indicted by the Prosecutor’s Office, and among the respective mostly highest political, military and police officials; it enabled presence of vast number of witnesses, delivered extensive documentation. Obligation of the Mechanism, in accordance with the Resolution of this Security Council, is to take measures that enable transfer of cases to national justice system. In previous practice, 13 cases were transferred to Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2 to Croatia and only one to Serbia.

The last but not the least, I want to remind all of you here of the fact that France- of course as a sovereign and independent country- upon request for apprehension and extradition of Florence Altman for publishing documents and contempt of court, refused the request for extradition, with an explanation that it does not extradite its citizens. For far smaller offence you ask as to extradite our citizens Jojic and Radeta, showing both the distrust to Serbian justice and judiciary and Serbian State, as well as a fact that the rule from ancient Rome is still valid – quod licet lovi non licet bovi.

It does not harm to underline that high-level officers and politicians were not trialed for crimes against Serbs, and that crimes against Serbs remained unsanctioned before ICTY and Mechanism. Let me remind you, just as an example that Ademi and Norac case for ferocious crimes against Serb civilians in MedačkiDžep was left to Croatian justice institutions. Proven crimes against Serbs, like those of Ramuš Haradinaj, Naser Orić, then Ante Gotovina and other indicted for military operation “Storm” that led to a complete ethnic cleansing of Serb population in the big part of today’s Croatia, resulted before the ICTY in acquittals. Many horrible crimes against Serb civilians that were committed in the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija, and that resulted in ethnic cleansing, simply were not the subject of interest of the ICTY.

What’s very important and not to leave anything unclear, Serbia is a country that condemns all crimes and all criminals who perpetrated them in the region of former Yugoslavia. However, it is interesting that despite often criticism Serbia is the only one that speaks openly and condemns crimes perpetrated by Serb nationals, while in other regional countries they do not speak at all about crimes that representatives of those nations committed against members of Serbian people. And I want to emphasize once again here in front of you that Serbia condemns terrible crime in Srebrenica and extends its deepest condolences to the families of all killed in that massacre. And there are no “buts” about the respective.

Nevertheless, we are here to analyze results and penal policy of ICTY and the Mechanism and it was such that it has never gained trust among Serbian people, no matter where they live. And not because we Serbs do not acknowledge crime committed by some of our compatriots, but because The Hague Tribunal, with exceptions, was judging only to Serbs and in all three territories of former Yugoslavia- Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo and Metohija, which some of the SC Member States see and name of course, contrary to law and legal norms and UN Resolutions, as an independent state. I would try to plastically prove to you how The Hague justice was tailored even though I know that it will not come to understanding of many of you, but to me it is important because of the history, facts, and school books that will be made in accordance with the facts.

Namely, Serbs were sentenced to totally 1138 years of imprisonment, and to 8 life imprisonments. At the same time, The Hague Tribunal did not sentence a single Croat for crimes against Serbs, neither in actions Medački Džep, nor Flash and Storm. How politically cunning it was done in the Tribunal, and all wrapped in the form of law and justice. Prosecutors of The Hague Tribunal chose on purpose three military and political leaders of Croats, Bosniac Muslims and Albanians, on all three mentioned territories, committed against Serbs. – Ante Gotovina, NaserOrić and Ramuš Haradinaj. It is interesting that following the same pattern, the same pattern, this injustice was shared.

Namely, all of them were sentenced in the first instance procedure, with the exception of RamušHaradinaj, because not a single witness survived. Gotovina was sentenced to 24 years’ imprisonment in first-instance procedure, while by a mysterious decision of the second instance council and 3:2 judge ratio, the verdict was changed to acquittal. Naser Orić, for crimes against Serbs, was also sentenced in first instance verdict, but by a mysterious decision of the second instance court, and again 3:2 ratio decision was an acquittal and he was set free of any liability. Let me reiterate, all witnesses in process against Ramus Haradinaj, either committed suicide or were killed under very, very strange circumstances. Let me conclude, I do not want to believe that someone wants to say that there had been no crimes against Serbs, but judging by the verdicts of The Hague Tribunal, no one- absolutely no one- is responsible for those crimes.

Nevertheless, we in Serbia will show responsibility and we will fight for peace, stability and reconciliation in the region. We ask UN Security Council Member States to help us with rational and pragmatic approach and respect for international law and not by attempts of further humiliation of Serbia. Serbia is a small country, with proud and courageous people, the one that gave the biggest sacrifice during the WWI and WWII; people who wants to leave in peace with their neighbors. And when I am asking you for this, I do not think I am asking for too much.

At the very end, Serbia is the fastest growing country of the Western Balkans region and we cannot progress unless our relations with neighbors, friends and other countries are good, solid and better. That is why- despite the selective justice that was applied in The Hague Tribunal- we will be open for any dialogue, any kind of cooperation and we will look towards the future and not towards the past. And I have only one message for the citizens of Serbia and citizens of Serbian nationality in the entire region- keep your heads up, neither Serbia nor Serbian people are convicted of anything and it is up to us to work even more diligently, to open factories and to fight for our children and our future.

Long Live Serbia!

Serbian Ambassador to Turkey Zoran Markovic visited the Anatolia News Agency (AA), where he met with the President of the Management Board and General Manager Serdar Karagoz.

Karagoz expressed satisfaction with the visit of Ambassador Markovic and informed the guests about the agency's global network, its activities and further business plans.

Ambassador Markovic thanked the hosts for the invitation and pointed out the importance of the role of the Anatolia Agency, but also other media in strengthening the relations between the two countries. Thanks to Presidents Aleksandar Vučić and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, relations between Serbia and Turkey are at the highest historical level, and our task is to find additional ways to deepen those relations through joint cooperation between the media of the two countries, the interlocutors agreed during the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy and Editor-in-Chief of AA Jusuf Ozhan and the Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Istanbul Kristina Radovic.

Photo: Ozge Elif Kızıl - Anadolu Agency

Passengers departing from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Brazil, South Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and those who are understood to be in these countries in the last 14 days will be requested to submit a negative PCR test report 72 hours before entering to Turkey, and these passengers will be quarantined for 14 days in places determined by the governorships. If the PCR test result to be made at the end of the 14th day of the quarantine is negative, the quarantine measure will be terminated. Passengers whose PCR test result is positive will be taken into isolation and the measure will be terminated with a negative PCR test result which will be made at the end of the 14th day. 

Passengers departing from the United Kingdom, Iran, Egypt and Singapore will be required to submit a negative PCR test result which has to be made maximum 72 hours before entry.

When entering Turkey from countries not included in the first two articles, passengers will not be required to submit a negative PCR test result if they submit a document issued by the relevant country's official authorities stating that they have been vaccinated at least 14 days before entrance to Turkey and/or have had the disease and cured within the last 6 months. Quarantine measures will not be applied for these passengers. If passengers departing from these countries cannot submit a vaccine certificate or the documents proving that they have had the disease according to the stated rules, submission of a PCR negative test result made maximum 72 hours before the entrance to Turkey or negative rapid antigen test result made maximum 48 hours before the entrance to Turkey will be deemed sufficient.

People entering Turkey may be subjected to PCR test on the basis of sampling at their destination. In this context, passengers will be allowed to go to their final destination after the test samples are taken, and if the test results are positive, they will be treated in accordance with Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health COVID19 guidelines. Passengers with positive test results will be quarantined for 14 days at the addresses they shared and if the PCR test results to be made at the end of the 10th day are negative, the quarantine conditions will be terminated. The quarantine conditions of those who are found to have an Indian variant will be terminated with a negative result of the PCR test at the end of the 14th day.

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May 14, 2021

In his interview to the Turkish state info agency `Anatholia`, Zoran Markovic, Ambassador of Serbia to Ankara, stated that  the mutual recognition of the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine certificate has started today in order to lift  travel restrictions between Turkey and Serbia  and invited Turkish tourists to his country.

Ambassador Markovic, in his statement to the AA correspondent, stated that the most important point in the process that started two months ago is the mutual trust in health systems, "The practice will be very simple. All you have to do is buy a flight ticket with your vaccination card. One of the most important advantages of this practice is the age of 18 who cannot be vaccinated. six individuals will be able to travel with their parents. " he said.

Pointing out that Turkey and Serbia recognize the Covid-19 vaccines applied in their countries, Markovic emphasized that the two countries attach importance to health.

Markovic stated that as a result of the good relations between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Serbian counterpart, Aleksandar Vucic, relations between the two countries are at the best point in their history and that this mutual trust has easily allowed the implementation of the recognition of the vaccine certificates.

Explaining that Turkey and Serbia did their best for their citizens during the period when it was very difficult to reach the Covid-19 vaccine, Markovic said, "Vaccination in Serbia started with Sinopharm and in Turkey with Sinovac. With this practice, we want to emphasize that health has priority, to the type of vaccine." he spoke.

Markovic said that he received a large number of phone calls when the practice was announced, "Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the routes most preferred by Turkish tourists. Turkey is a great holiday destination, especially for Serbian families with children. Everyone will be very happy with the recognition of the vaccination certificate."he  said.

Pointing out that the sector that will recover the fastest after the pandemic will be tourism, Markovic said, "People are tired of being closed, but the world will have to face different problems after the pandemic is over."

.Markovic, sent the message "Come to Serbia, welcome" to Turkish tourists, "We are waiting for you. Our hospitality is very close to that in Turkey. Come and see." 

Source: AA

To view the origianl of the news please click here

20. May 2021.

A new service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs "e-Consulate" was presented in Belgrade today, intended for foreign citizens who apply for a visa and aspire to come to Serbia to work.

On that occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said that this service was one of the indicators of good development of our country, which, as he pointed out, was becoming a magnet for serious foreign companies, which brought a large number of workers from other countries to work in Serbia.

"Not to be pretentious, but completely realistic, this service represents a turning point in the functioning of our system. E-Consulate and digitalization of the procedure for issuing work visas for foreign citizens who want to work in Serbia, is the first electronic service offered by the Foreign Ministry, and I can promise you that this is indeed our first, but by no means the last e-service", Selakovic emphasized.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy pointed out that "e-Consulate" reflected the modernization of an extremely important segment of the activities of diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, and that we were actually talking about something that was essential for the further development processes of our country.

The Minister recalled that, when the President of the Republic visited the construction site of the Moravian Corridor, he was told that some construction works were delayed because Bechtel company was not issued work visas on time.

“The moment we saw that and heard the President, I alerted the services in the Ministry. We were surprised, as we knew that the issuance of visas in Turkey had a good dynamic, and then we determined that it was actually workers from Bangladesh who applied for a visa through our Embassy in India, where we have a problem with staff shortage”, the Minister explained.

As he added, this is a demanding and laborious task, each of our employees had to receive the documentation on paper, check it, then request additional information, and only then forward it.

"Today, this has been fantastically perfected for our consular officers, all that documentation is submitted in electronic form. We used to have two filters to check the documentation, now we actually have three. And the work is significantly more efficient", Selakovic pointed out.

As he emphasized, this is a service which was promised less than four months ago and it becomes available on Monday, in 95 diplomatic and consular missions of Serbia, i.e. in all our embassies and consulates general.

The biggest result of that endeavor, the Minister pointed out, apart from the advantage it would bring in the future work, was the fact that it was not a project of one state body, but a joint endeavor of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, IT and eGovernment Office, General Secretariat of the Government, Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Labor, Employment, Veterans and Social Affairs, National Employment Service.

“We did an extremely good job in record time. This is to the pride of our Ministry, to the pride of the entire state. I am convinced that in the period ahead, we will further modernize our affairs and make Serbia one of the few countries that has such mechanisms and such state-of-the-art provision of consular services", Selakovic said.

Speaking about the "e-Consulate" portal itself, the Minister explained that there is a cartoon of Nikola Tesla and the building of the old railway station with one crane, which actually symbolizes a historical fact - that Tesla was in Belgrade in the year when it was built.

"Today it is the place behind which the Belgrade of the future is rising, and what we managed to do together is an indicator of something that is the future of Serbia, the development of artificial intelligence, IT and creating conditions for more people to live and arrive here in Serbia in the future seeking good life and employment", concluded the Minister.

The Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, Mihailo Jovanovic, said that this was the first time that e-services were focused on foreign citizens, which was the case with our citizens so far.

In the period from 1 January 2019 to 17 May this year, the most applications for Serbian visas were submitted at the Embassy in Beijing, 6,766 applications, then in New Delhi - 2,973, Shanghai 2,115, Tokyo 1,798, and Cairo 1,756.

In that period, 1,270 requests were submitted in Algiers, 1,095 in Jakarta, and 1,077 in Beirut.

In terms of their nationality, Serbian D visa for employment is most requested by citizens of China - 9,516 applications, followed by India 1,955, and Ukraine - 673.

The web site for the online applications is https://econsulate.gov.rs/

10 May 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey to Serbia Hami Aksoy about bilateral political relations, economic cooperation and the results of current projects that Serbia is implementing with this country.

Brnabic said that she is extremely satisfied with the fact that there is a growing interest of Turkish investors in our market, especially in underdeveloped parts of Serbia.

The participation of Turkish companies in infrastructure projects is of great importance, among which the construction of the Sarajevo-Belgrade-Sarajevo highway stands out.

The Ambassador of Turkey stated that about a thousand Turkish companies are currently operating in Serbia and that this number will increase, thanks to the good market conditions and the financial stability that Serbia has achieved.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Turkish state for the help and donations in medical supplies and protective equipment during the pandemic, as well as for the cooperation in the mutual evacuation of citizens.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

April 21, 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked today via a video link with the representatives of the delegation of the International Monetary Fund led by the Head of the Mission, Jan Kees Martijn. The interlocutors concluded that Serbia's main goal remains to preserve the hard-earned reputation of a fiscally secure country, as well as to continue with a responsible fiscal policy so that public debt does not exceed 60 per cent of GDP, whereby Serbia continues to work on further economic growth.

During the conversation, President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn especially referred to the incentive measures and adopted three packages of measures to help the economy and citizens, which preserved macroeconomic stability and even achieved a higher employment rate. Martijn commended the responsible economic policy of Serbia and the successful crisis management during the pandemic. "Serbia achieved one of the best results last year despite the challenges of the pandemic", Martijn said, noting that Serbia was one of the few countries to which the IMF did not adjust the initial projection of the 5% growth rate it gave last year.

President Vučić added that following the first quarter of 2021, Serbia is well on its way to achieving the planned growth of 6% as planned, since one of the main focuses of the Government is investing in large infrastructure projects and intensifying work on attracting foreign direct investments.

"In 2020, Serbia was at the very top in terms of economic growth in Europe, and I am convinced that this year we can enter the first three or four countries in terms of growth", said President Vučić, adding that he was satisfied that Serbia still, despite the pandemic situation, has an extremely strong inflow of investment.

President Vučić and Jan Kees Martijn also discussed a new advisory arrangement, which is of special importance in light of the improvement of the general investment climate in Serbia, as well as in the context of even greater investor assurance.

"Given Serbia's tremendous progress over the past eight years, the priority goal of this arrangement will be to preserve the results achieved, but also to provide support for further implementation of structural reforms aimed at even faster, stronger and more sustainable growth", said President Vučić and thanked the IMF and the personal engagement of Jan Kees Martijn in the professional and expert support that Serbia is counting on.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia will pay special attention to reforms in public companies, and that priorities will continue to be investments in infrastructure, creating an even better climate for investments, greater investments in the environment, science and capital projects, which will further contribute to the long term stable financial growth in the coming years.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

20 April 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today with the Regional Director of the World Health Organisation for Europe Hans Kluge, to discuss cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as cooperation in improving health care in our country and other joint activities.

President Vučić thanked Dr Kluge for his personal engagement and support during the current pandemic, especially for technical assistance and expertise. On this occasion, he informed the WHO official about the results of immunisation in Serbia and plans on how to provide the vaccine to all citizens who want to get it.

Dr Kluge congratulated President Vučić on his leadership and personal commitment to provide vaccines. He emphasised that Serbia, with its good immunisation strategy, ranked among the global leaders, thus becoming an example of humanity and solidarity by enabling vaccination of elderly people in rural areas, foreign citizens and donating vaccines to other countries. "Serbia has accepted the vaccine as a life-saving product and has not looked at it geopolitically", said Dr Kluge.

The two interlocutors agreed that the world should increase production capacities for vaccines, as well as develop new adequate therapies for the fight against COVID-19, and, in this regard, work on increasing the level of citizens' trust in science.

President Vučić informed Dr Kluge about the plans for improving the work of the Institute for Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak". "We want to make 'Torlak' one of the best vaccine factories in Europe", said President Vučić.

Source: www.predsednik.rs

Photo: www.predsednik.rs

19 April 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge about the epidemiological situation and the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia.

Brnabic expressed gratitude for the cooperation in the fight against the pandemic, technical assistance and expertise, emphasising that the support of this organisation is very important for our country.

She informed the WHO Regional Director for Europe about the course of immunisation of citizens in Serbia, expressing her belief that, thanks to the large number of vaccinated people, we will be able to create collective immunity and return to normal life.

Kluge assessed the immunisation process in Serbia as impressive, and added that Serbia has made a good decision to offer citizens all available vaccines used in the fight against coronavirus.

Expressing concern over the emergence of new strains of the virus, he stressed the need to speed up the immunisation process and show mutual solidarity.

The WHO Regional Director for Europe praised Serbia for the humanity it has shown by donating vaccines to the countries of the region and enabling vaccination for those who do not have a sufficient number of vaccines for their citizens.

The Prime Minister said that Serbia will continue to cooperate with the countries of the region and help in accordance with its capabilities.

When it comes to the project "Roadmap for Health in the Western Balkans 2021-2025", it was stated that, if epidemiological conditions allow, a regional meeting will be held in Belgrade at the end of the year, important for future improvement of cooperation between countries in the field of health challenges.

Source: www.srbija.gov.rs

Photo: www.srbija.gov.rs

State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nemanja Starovic signed the Book of Condolences which was opened at the Turkish Embassy in Belgrade following the death of the former Parliament Speaker and Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey Yıldırım Akbulut.

"We received with great sadness the news of the death of Mr. Yıldırım Akbulut, the former Parliament Speaker and Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey.

In the wake of this loss, on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and on my own, I wish to extend the expressions of deep condolences to the family of Yıldırım Akbulut, and sincere sympathies with the friendly Turkish people", the State Secretary wrote.

April 13, 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic warned, at the United Nations Security Council meeting, that the political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohijawas not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger.

At the meeting discussing the Report of the UN Secretary-General on the work of UNMIK, Minister Selakovic recalled that the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now and that, in fact, 19 April marked eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, while Pristina still refused to follow up on its commitment and enable the formation of the Community of Serb Municipalities.

The Minister reminded that the current Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina repeatedly threatened to unite the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania, and that he also stated that the dialogue with Belgrade was low on the list of his priorities.

Minister Selakovic pointed out that itwas high time for Albanian leaders in Pristina to show responsibility in fulfilling their commitments, but also a sincere commitment to reaching a compromise solution and building mutual trust.

"Serbia is determined and will not give up on identifying a compromise solution, which will be sustainable for future generations as well. The only way to build lasting peace and stability in our region is by working to build trust and insisting on positive political agendas", Selakovic concluded.

According to the Minister, lasting peace and stability can only be achieved if none of the participants in the dialogue pursued maximalist demands and insisted on the complete humiliation of the other.

He pointed out that the Serbian and Albanian peoples, as the two most numerous peoples in the Western Balkans, needed to find a way to reach reconciliation and a basis for cooperation, both in terms of the economy and in achieving shared prospects for membership of the European Union.

"Belgrade has made sincere steps in that direction, by being one of the initiators of the idea of relaxing the flow of people, goods, capital and services, popularly referred to as "mini-Schengen", the Minister underlined.

Pointing out that Serbia had time and time again demonstrated its commitment to dialogue as the only way towards a peaceful, political solution to the problem in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic underscored that the recent elections in the Province confirmed that political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohijawas not decreasing, but on the contrary, was becoming stronger, which could be seen during the recent pre-election process.

Minister stressed that political pressures on Serbs continued even after the election process was completed, by denying Serbs fair representation in provisional institutions as the new so-called government in Pristina decided to assign only one ministry to the Serb community.

"Serb returnees represent a particularly vulnerable category, who spend their every day in fear of being attacked.I remind you that the southern Serbian province is still an area with the lowest return rate of displaced persons in the world", the Minister said and emphasized that, in the last year alone, more than 80 attacks and incidents took place in our southern province, targeting Serbs, their property and religious sites.

It is particularly worrying for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, Selakovic noted, that in the previous period, and especially in March this year, there were frequent physical attacks on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

"A striking example of the disrespectful attitude towards Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province, whose exceptional universal value UNESCO confirmed by inscribing them on the World Heritage List, is the case of the Visoki Decani Monastery", the Minister underlined.

Furthermore, the Serbian Foreign Minister assessed as concerning the breaking into the Health Center in Strpce by police inspectors and officers, in January this year, who conducted a search aiming to discover Covid-19 vaccines there, originating from central Serbia.

"Although we consider this to be an intrusion into a health care institution, our reaction was restrained this time as well. We did not want our decisionsto cause escalation and politicization of activities that are solely aimed at protecting public health. We organized the vaccination of citizens from Kosovo and Metohija at three locations in central Serbia and thus clearly demonstrated that people's lives are the top priority to us", the Minister stressed.

Minister Selakovic stated that Serbia highly valued the activities of UNMIK mission in Kosovo and Metohija and that it supported it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve security in the Province.

Selakovic said that the international missions in Kosovo and Metohija - UNMIK, KFOR, EULEX and the OSCE mission, under the administration of the United Nations and in line with UNSC Resolution 1244, played a key role in the preservation of peace and protection of the population.

"We support and respect their engagement and efforts made in the framework of their mandates, with the common goal of creating conditions for a peaceful and safe coexistence of the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija. The Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohijahave the utmost confidence in the international presence and consider it a guarantor of security and a barrier against the arbitrariness of the provisional institutions in Pristina", the Minister emphasized.

He said that this demonstrated the need that international missions remain engaged in an undiminished scope, in order to consistently implement UNSC Resolution 1244.

Selakovic further emphasized the importance of KFOR international forces and pointed out that any unilateral attempt to assign to someone else or that someone else assumes a part of KFOR's mandate and responsibilities constitutes a violation of UNSC Resolution 1244.

The Minister also noted as unacceptable the unilateral decisions on the formation of the Pristina "Ministry of Defence" and launching the process of transforming the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" (KSF) into the so-called "Kosovo Army".

At the beginning of his statement, Minister Selakovic lodged a protest against the abuse of the video format of the session by the representative of Pristina as she had a flag of the self-proclaimed "Kosovo" placed behind her, and the representative of Russia did the same.

Below is an integral version of the speech of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic

Distinguished President of the Security Council,

Distinguished Special Representative,

Esteemed members of the Security Council,

At the outset, I have no choice but to lodge a protest against the abuse of the video format of this session on the part of the representatives of Pristina in order to promote the symbols of the so-called statehood of Kosovo. Despite the fact that the representatives of Pristina were warned on several occasions, including by the President of the Security Council at the previous session, that such abuses of Security Council sessions are absolutely unacceptable and constitute a flagrant violation of the Security Council rules on participation of representatives of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina, under Rule 39 of the UN Security Council Rules of Procedure, we are again faced with their reckless disregard for the rules of this distinguished body. Let me reiterate our call for the necessary steps to be taken to prevent such abuses.

It is my great pleasure to address this august body at the meeting on the work of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija. At the outset, I would like to thank Secretary-General of the United Nations Mr. Guterres and Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMIK Mr. Tanin for the report submitted and for their efforts made towards the implementation of the UNMIK mandate, and also to the members of the Security Council for the continued attention they have devoted to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Serbia highly values the activities of the Mission of the United Nations in Kosovo and Metohija and supports it in carrying out its work as efficiently as possible and undiminished in scope, aiming to build and preserve security in the Province.

Mr. President, In the previous period we have faced political instability in Kosovo and Metohija. We recently had elections in the Province, which unfortunately confirmed that political extremism among Albanians in Kosovo and Metohija is not decreasing, but on the contrary, is becoming stronger. We have witnessed Albanian leaders competing among themselves in efforts to find the best way to provoke an incident in Serb communities, in order to score political points of the Albanian electorate. Under the pretext of amending the voter list, a large number of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija were deprived of one of their fundamental political rights - the opportunity to elect their political representatives. Out of approximately 140,000 of citizens of Kosovo and Metohija who were removed from the voter list in the latest election process, 85% are Serbs.

Despite numerous challenges and problems, the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija have shown, by high turnout and a convincing victory of the Serb List which won all ten seats reserved for Serbian representatives, that nothing can stop them from resolutely defending their position. Political pressures on Serbs continued even after the election process was completed, by denying Serbs fair representation in provisional institutions as the new so-called government in Pristina decided to assign only one ministry to the Serb community.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

Unfortunately, it was not only during the election activities that we witnessed the unreasonable anti-Serb policy being pursued by the provisional institutions in Pristina. This goes to the length of breaking into the Health Center in Strpce, in the south of Kosovo and Metohija, by police inspectors and officers from Pristina, in January this year, who conducted a search aiming to discover Covid-19 vaccines there, originating from central Serbia, which they did not find. In doing so they demonstrated force and threatened to arrest the director of the Health Center, medical staff and doctors. At a time when the whole world is fighting the pandemic with vaccines being the only way to end this challenge, while Serbia is showing support and solidarity by donating vaccines and medical equipment to all in need in the region, Pristina wants to destroy vaccines only because they originate from central Serbia. As the whole world expresses gratitude to medical doctors, who have made great and heroic sacrifices in combating the virus, the provisional institutions in Pristina are attacking Serbian doctors for doing their job.

Although we believe that intrusions into health care institutions are inadmissible, our reaction was restrained this time as well. We did not want our decisions to cause escalation and politicization of activities that are solely aimed at protecting public health. We organized the vaccination of citizens from Kosovo and Metohija at three locations in central Serbia and thus clearly demonstrated that people's lives are the top priority to us. Serbia continues to be ready to help all in need of assistance, and we call for reason and responsibility, especially in such difficult times.

Mr. President, Attacks targeting Serbs and their property have been on the rise. In the last year alone, more than 80 attacks and incidents took place in our southern province, targeting Serbs, their property and religious sites. According to the information provided by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and Metohija, in the second half of last year, the number of incidents increased by more than 30% compared to 2019. Therefore, we cannot agree with the assessment that the "security situation in Kosovo remained stable, with a few incidents reported affecting non-majority communities". Last weekend, for example, an entirely unprovoked physical attack by a group of Albanians on two Serb young men took place in the northern part of Kosovska Mitrovica.

Serb returnees represent a particularly vulnerable category, who spend their every day in fear of being attacked. The fact that one family of returnees was the target of seven attacks clearly indicates the persistence of those who do not want Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija. There is absolutely no trace of political will in Pristina for 212,995 displaced Serbs who have been living outside Kosovo and Metohija for 22 years to return to their homes. Since 1999, the rate of sustainable return of internally displaced persons in Kosovo and Metohija has been only 1.9%, which according to the UN data is officially the lowest percentage of return of expelled population after a conflict anywhere in the world.

At the same time, while arresting internally displaced persons, Pristina authorities are exerting the strongest of pressures on the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The aim is to completely prevent the further processing of a number of cases against members of the terrorist KLA, on charges of serious crimes committed during the conflict in Kosovo and Metohija against both Serbs and persons belonging to other nationalities. President of the Specialist Chambers Madam Trendafilova recently warned that, should the pressures continue, this would have very dramatic consequences to the trials in progress. President Trendafilova underlined as highly problematic the phenomenon of witness intimidation, who are key for conducting proceedings successfully and rendering a proper verdict.

Although the wait to raise indictments was far too long, we consider it commendable that efforts have finally been made to punish the perpetrators of numerous serious crimes which were committed during the armed conflicts a little over two decades ago, but also upon the arrival of the international forces to Kosovo and Metohija. For example, no one has been held accountable to this day for the killings and abductions of 17 journalists in Kosovo and Metohija, which is currently the largest number of unsolved cases of murdered and kidnapped journalists in Europe. Furthermore, the perpetrators of any of the mass crimes committed against Serb civilians after 1999 have not been brought to justice. I will remind you of only a few of these cases: 14 Serb farmers were killed in the village of Staro Gracko, 12 displaced Serbs were killed and 43 wounded in the attack on the "Niš Express" bus in Livadice near Podujevo, and in Gorazdevac near Pec unknown persons fired automatic weapons on children who were swimming in the Bistrica river. Two Serb children were killed then, and four were seriously injured.

We expect the EULEX Mission to continue to support the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor's Office, as well as its additional engagement in the field of the rule of law. Special attention needs to be devoted to witness protection, and determining the fate of missing persons.

International missions in Kosovo and Metohija - UNMIK, KFOR EULEX and OMIK are an integral part of the international civilian and security presence in our southern province, under the administration of the United Nations and in line with UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999), and play a key role and make an outstanding contribution to the preservation of peace and protection of the population. We support and respect their engagement and efforts made in the framework of their mandates, with the common goal of creating conditions for a peaceful and safe coexistence of the inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija. The Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija have the utmost confidence in the international presence and consider it a guarantor of security and a barrier against the arbitrariness of the provisional institutions in Pristina. This further demonstrates the need that international missions remain engaged in an undiminished scope, in order to consistently implement UNSC Resolution 1244.

I would like to further emphasize the importance of KFOR international forces and point out that any unilateral attempt to assign to someone else or that someone else assumes a part of KFOR's mandate and responsibilities constitutes a violation of the UNSC Resolution 1244, while also being a potential source of instability and tensions. I will remind you that Pristina, contrary to international law and completely ignoring the interests and positions of the Serb community in the Province, would not abandon its plans to install a new security actor in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija. We consider the unilateral decisions on the formation of the "Ministry of Defence" and launching the process of transforming the so-called "Kosovo Security Forces" (KSF) into the so-called "Kosovo Army" to be unacceptable. I would like to reiterate that such unilateral moves on the part of Pristina constitute a gross violation of the UNSC Resolution 1244 and the Military Technical Agreement, according to which only the International Security Forces, that is KFOR, have the mandate for all military aspects of security in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija.

In this context, an additional reason for concern is the announcement of the construction of the largest base of the "Kosovo Security Forces" in the southern part of Kosovska Mitrovica, which Serbs in the north of Kosovo and Metohija perceive as the most open provocation and threat to their physical safety.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

It is particularly worrying for the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija that in the previous period, and especially in March this year, there were frequent physical attacks on the property of the Serbian Orthodox Church. In just two weeks, as many as seven Orthodox landmarks in the province were targeted by vandals, at a time when we all remember the March 2004 pogrom against Serbs and Serbian holy sites in Kosovo and Metohija. The condition of the Serbian cultural and spiritual heritage in Kosovo and Metohija is humiliating, including the four monuments that are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger (Visoki Decani, Holy Virgin of Ljevisa, Gracanica and the Patriarchate of Pec). Numerous administrative and technical barriers are imposed on priestly and monastic communities, which makes it more difficult or even impossible for them to survive on church property.

A striking example of the disrespectful attitude towards Serbian cultural and religious monuments in the Province, whose exceptional universal value UNESCO confirmed by inscribing them on the World Heritage List, is the case of the Visoki Decani Monastery.

Distinguished members of the Security Council,

The reason for the nervous behaviour of Pristina is all too obvious, as the project of the so-called independence today fails to be recognized by more than a half of the United Nations Member States, including five members of the European Union. However, it is high time for Albanian leaders in Pristina to show responsibility in fulfilling their commitments, but also a sincere commitment to reaching a compromise solution and building mutual trust.

I will remind you that the current Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina has repeatedly threatened to unite the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania in the past. A member of his party publicly said last weekend that the self-proclaimed Kosovo and Albania would be united, I quote, "with rifle and gunpowder, or referendum boxes".

I need not explain why such dangerous ideas constitute a direct threat to peace and stability. They violate Resolution 1244, while continuously destabilizing not only our southern province, but the entire region as well, and in no way contribute to the dialogue process, but instead hamper it again.

We have demonstrated time and time again our commitment to dialogue as the only way towards a peaceful, political solution to the problem in Kosovo and Metohija. Even today, after many years of negotiations, but also failure to fulfill what was agreed and constant unilateral moves and provocations on the part of the provisional institutions in Pristina, we are still ready to sit down at the table and talk.

We are ready for dialogue but not to be blackmailed and threatened and especially not for ultimatums recently presented by Prime Minister of the provisional institutions of self-government in Pristina. I will remind you of his statement that the dialogue will be low on the list of priorities of the Pristina authorities. It is bewildering how Pristina refers to ultimatums completely undermining any chance of dialogue, as the European Union also pointed out, as "principles" and how it persistently insists that Belgrade should recognize the unilaterally declared independence of "Kosovo", upon which, they believe, all else would be resolved. What is the purpose of the dialogue then, if Belgrade is only expected to recognize the so-called Kosovo? Does the dialogue imply that one side should give up everything only for the other to win it all? And does the dialogue, in Pristina's opinion, imply that what was agreed should not be fulfilled?

I will remind you that Pristina still refuses to follow up on its obligations arising from the agreements reached so far and does not agree to discuss their implementation within the dialogue. And the situation is quite simple - in April 2013, the first agreement was signed in Brussels, which envisaged four obligations: one for Pristina and three for Belgrade. Belgrade has fulfilled all obligations, while the only obligation that the provisional institutions in Pristina had - to form the Community of Serb Municipalities - has remained unfulfilled for 2,917 days now. In fact, 19 April marks eight full years since the agreement was reached in Brussels, and of Pristina's failure to fulfill the obligation to form the Community of Serb Municipalities.

Distinguished Mr. President,

Regardless of the discouraging messages heard from Pristina and the fact that the dialogue has been in progress for many years, Serbia is determined and will not give up on identifying a compromise solution, which will be sustainable for future generations as well. Lasting peace and stability can only be achieved if none of the participants in the dialogue pursues maximalist demands and insists on the complete humiliation of the other. The Serbian and Albanian peoples, as the two most numerous peoples in the Western Balkans, need to find a way to reach reconciliation and a basis for cooperation, both in terms of the economy and in achieving shared prospects for membership to the European Union.

Belgrade has made sincere steps in that direction, by being one of the initiators of the idea of relaxing the flow of people, goods, capital and services, popularly referred to as "mini-Schengen".

As far as Serbia is concerned, we are convinced that the only way to build lasting peace and stability in our region is by working to build trust and insisting on positive political agendas. The inhabitants of Kosovo and Metohija, of any nationality, whether they are Serbs or Albanians, do not deserve anything less.

Thank you for your attention.

At the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, we wish to all believers of the Islamic faith to spend the Days of Ramadan blessed, with their loved ones, surrounded by spiritual peace and the warmth of a family home.

April 9, 2021

The Embassy wishes to inform all foreign citizens (without residence permit in Serbia) that it is not possible for foreign citizens to get vaccinated in the Republic of Serbia.

The Republic of Serbia is currently focused on the vaccination of its own citizens, and as until now in the further we will continue to help all our friend and neighbor countries in this fight against the Covid 19.

Based on a large number of applications, we inform foreign citizens who have expressed their interest in vaccination in Serbia through e-Government, that without receiving an invitation and confirmation with the date and location for vaccination, they should not come to the checkpoints alone because they will not be accepted.

If the possibility for vaccination of foreign citizens (without registered residence in Serbia) occurs in the next period, the public will be informed. 

7 April 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic received letters of credence today from the newly-appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Hami Aksoy, to whom he wished success during his tenure in Belgrade.

Ambassador Aksoy conveyed cordial greetings to President Vucicextended to him by President Erdoğan. Returning the greetings, President Vucic expressed great satisfaction with the high level of bilateral relations reached between Serbia and Turkey, and especially withthe intensive political dialogue as well as enhanced economic cooperation, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, by which the two countries strongly supported the stability of the entire region. In this context, he welcomed the growing interest of Turkish companies to invest in the Serbian economy, especially in the less developed parts of our country.

President Vucic pointed out that he highly appreciated the personal contribution made by President Erdoğan to the arrival of Turkish investors to Serbia.

President Vucic emphasized that he hoped that the circumstances would allow holding a session of the High-Level Cooperation Council between Serbia and Turkey soon, to whose work our country attached great importance.

The two interlocutors also discussed the results of specific joint projects, underlining projects in the field of infrastructure and theirimportance.

Source: predsednik.rs

Photo: predsednik.rs / DimitrijeGoll

FOREST BASED INDUSTRIES IN SERBIA

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24 March 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic made a statement on the occasion of marking the Day of Remembrance of the victims of the NATO aggression.

"Your Holiness, distinguished Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, distinguished Speakers of the National Assemblies of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Prime Ministers of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Srpska, distinguished Ministers of both Governments, dear guests and friends, representatives of the Serbian People from Montenegro, North Macedonia, Croatia, thank you for the fact that we are all together tonight and that the Serbian spirit is unbreakable and invincible.

One child a day and a little more than that. That is the most difficult, sickening and painful number of the NATO aggression from 1999. Killed, stopped, guilty of nothing, having committed no sin, without the right to defence, without the right to justice and without the right to life.

No one has ever been held accountable for this crime, a crime greater than a crime. No one, for the 2,500 killed civilians, but also soldiers and policemen who were only guilty of guarding, protecting themselves and their homes. No one has ever been held accountable for more than 6,000 persons injured.

Even today, 22 years after the aggression, it is not possible to explain that, there is no universal justification, despite all the work done to that end, there is no reason, it makes no sense, and only names remain, as eternal as sin.

Miljana Milic, fifteen years old,

Vladimir Milic, twelve years old,

Miomir Mladenovic, fourteen years old,

Dragan Dimic, three years old,

Julijana Brudar, ten years,

Olivera Maksimovic, twelve years old,

Miroslav Knezevic, thirteen years old,

Dajana Pavlovic, five years old,

Stevan Pavlovic, eight years old,

Marko Simic, two years old,

Milica Rakic, three years old,

Ivan Ivancic, seven years old,

Marko Ivanovic, three years old...

And the list goes on, eighty nine names, not only Serbian ones...

The senselessness of sheer killing did not choose. Sixteen children, aged two to seventeen, from the Ahmetaj and Hasani families, were killed in a convoy returning home to Prizren.

In one headline in the West, this was simply explained as a "tragic mistake". The deaths of Marko Roglic, Milan Ignjatovic, Gordana Nikolic, Irena Mitic, Milica Stojanovic, BojanaTosovic, BranimirStanijanovic, our Sanja Milenkovic...could not expector get even such an explanation.

Those deaths were not tragic, for those who caused them, much less a mistake. It was just an excuse, a miserable excuse. They were a result of intent and a clear decision, as a severe judgmentagainst one country, its people, its children.

And that is why today we will refrain from speculation in giving a nameto everything that happened during the spring of 1999. Because a crime happened, a heinous and terrible one.

And it was an aggression, nota bombing, not an intervention, not a campaign, not an operation. An aggression is what happened. An attack on a sovereign country, without a decision of the United Nations, without a sufficient reason that would justify attacking the then Yugoslavia or a neighbouring or NATO country. No one was attacked by Serbia or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at that time. They attacked us, with one goal. To defeat us, to keep killing us, and in the end to take away a part of our territory.

And no matter how much we analyze things today, no matter how harsh and critical we are towards ourselves, our policy and leadership at the time, it is clear that the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and Serbia were left with almost no choice then. The choice was horrible, either the loss of territory and people on the one hand, or the complete disappearance of the Serbian state, morals, honour, Serbian spirit, names and surnames. And we couldnot help but lose.Nineteen big ones attacked one small country, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. They attacked both Serbia and Montenegro. And even when they don't talk about it today, in one of the two independent countries, those are the facts. And that small country, and that small nation, to all nineteen of them so great and powerful, held a lesson in what matters most - honour, morals and love for freedom that a nation can have.

Yes, justice, lest we forget justice. All those nineteen great ones today still silently talk about their military success, avoid answering questions, while - can you imagine, one small, only numerically small Serbian people, that small but magnificent nation, with sadness, tears in their eyes, proudly remembers their resistance and struggle against the nineteen cruel and arrogant ones.

We lost a lot, we lost our fathers, brothers, spouses, children, but the honour and Serbian heart are still there, to protect Serbia, which is eternal and indestructible.

We lost children, we lost people, we lost control over a large part of the territory, we lost billions because of the destroyed infrastructure and economy. And all that was left for us was the body of a tortured, destroyed country, a country in disintegration, mutilated, looted, wounded, deserted, and guilty, condemned for everything that happened not only in the 1990s, but throughout history.

A country that, even ten years after the aggression, did not have the strength to stand up, rise to its feet, and do anything but be silent, or bow its head and obediently apologize, for everything, even for its dead, even for its murdered children.

Today, it is no longer that failed, tortured, devastated, mutilated Serbia.

Today, it is Serbia, which has found its strength and its pride again.

Serbia, which calls things by their real names.

Serbia, which turned its back on war and defeats, and started working.

Serbia, which rose to stand on its own feet and has a voice of its own.

Serbia, which, even when they don't believe it, they listen to. Which is capable, which is growing, and is no longer part of the problem. Serbia, which is and will be, at least we will do our best to this end, the very solution that enables the entire region to live in peace and understanding.

And that Serbia, today, when there are still many more bombs in the world than vaccines, sends not bombs, but precisely those vaccines to the region. Today, it is ready to produce them as well, and in just a few months we will do just that, but not only for ourselves, but also for others, for the entire Balkans.

We are ready, and we are willing to help.

We are not ready to be and we will not be silent, nor be humiliated again.

We draw the right to that not only from the victims we had, but also from the fact that we stopped looking at others only a long time ago, and looking for fault and guilt only in them, and not sometimes in ourselves as well.

We looked at each other and admitted. Every loss, every defeat and every crime that someone committed in our name, every failure and every wrong policy. And we are no longer doing anything that could endanger anyone.

We continue to work and work, and grow more and more, gaining strength with only one goal - to be the best in economy and education, health, in culture, science, sports...

And we want to be safe, on our own. We want our army to be much stronger than it was in 1999. So that we never again face a situation that someone is killing our children, destroying the country, or expelling our people.

We want to remain free, to decide our own destiny, and for no one to take everything away from us ever again, and give us nothing.

And that nothing today, and I will repeat it as much as necessary, is the idea of some great, powerful ones, but also those who serve them, the idea that "Kosovo" should recognize us, so that we could recognize "Kosovo".

We do not need that recognition. And Serbia will not allow you to walk over our victims, our history, our past, but also to walk over our future. You will get the answer of reasonable, kind and responsible people. We need a compromise. We need all the obligations that we and Pristina have assumed to be fulfilled, but only we have fulfilled them so far.

And this is not our whim. It is not a phantasmagoria about a Serbian world that we want to create.

Even today, when they threaten us with the formation of a Greater Albania, when they say that the Community of Serb Municipalities is not going to happen, it is ours to be calm, to take care of our people in Kosovo and Metohija, but to send a clear message to all those great, powerful ones that we are not as weak as we were, that we will be able to preserve what is our own, not touching anything that belongs to anyone else.After all, Serbia is not and will not be but a handful of oats that every crow from the whole wide world can eat. As for those who used the strength and power of the nineteen arrogant and cruel ones, I only ask them not to threaten us. Please, please, don't threaten us. They should not think that Serbia is broken and that it will not have the strength to respond. Please, please, our Albanian neighbours, do not threaten us. And we ask all others, who have demonstrated their cruelty towards Serbia, not to help you in that. That is all we are asking and nothing more.

And we will respond to calls for peace, calls for compromise, and always with good will, because we do not want to have children killed again. And we do not want the children of others to suffer again. But do not underestimate Serbia, and do not look at Serbia with the same eyes as you did in 1999.

Today, Serbia is much stronger, much more powerful. Today, Serbia is a united country of togetherness, not a divided one.Today, Serbia is incomparably stronger and better in every aspect than it was in 1999, from the economy to our army. And we will never threaten anyone, we just ask you and request from you to respect us and nothing more. Today, we are building roads that will connect us, among ourselves, with the region and with the world. Until the end of the year, we will work on eight motorways, on eight routesin the entire Balkans, not only Serbia, eight roads of peace and cooperation.

Only a crazy person would trade this for war, for dead children, for demolition and new loss. And yes, we want to have the closest relations with everyone who took part in the aggression against our beautiful Serbia, we have forgiven a long time ago, but no, we will never forget. And don't ask us to.That one day, every year, we will remind both ourselves and you. The nineteen of you, the most powerful, strongest, greatest in terms of might and force, but not so muchwhen it comes tohonour and morality. We will keep remind you and ourselves, just so it would never happen again. Not to us only, but to none other freedom-loving people in the world.

And if we have an offer, today it reads as follows: we are ready to make the whole Balkans a winner, for everyone to win, as long as no one tries to make Serbs the only losers.

And the path to this goal is not difficult at all. We just need to respect and understand each other and not try to humiliate each other.

And not to touch into what everyone paid the highest and bloodies price for. Freedom. And we, Serbs, know the price of freedom.

Into our right to have it, to keep it and to remember all the victims who are part of it. And our defeats, our lives and our children are built into ours. And the lives of our heroic pilots, and our giants from Kosare and Pastrik, and our children, innocent, completely innocent, and only guilty of living in Serbia.

This is too high a price to be quiet about it.

Because that would mean that we are ready for another defeat, for another humiliation. And we are not. And when all go quiet, we will keep repeating.

A child a day, and a little more. This was how much you killed us. In an aggression that even you did not understand why you carried it out. And we will keep repeating this, just so it does not happen to us again.

With special reverence, we are fulfilling our obligation to pay tribute to all innocent Serbian victims who laid their lives on the altar of the homeland, both civilians and our heroic soldiers and policemen, the heroes of Kosare, Prizren, Mitrovica.

Today, for us Serbs, life in Kosovo and Metohija is like Via Dolorosa, using their last strength on the road toGolgotha, but we would not be Serbs if we were not capable to "exist in a terrible place". And today, tonight, I can conclude with one important sentence.

On the soil of Europe, there was, and today is stronger than ever, an indomitable, unwavering, unconquerable and never conquered Serbia.

May eternal glory be to all the victims of the NATO aggression and let us all exclaim together - long live free and proud Serbia", President Vucic said.

Source:www.predsednik.rs

Photo:www.predsednik.rs

On the links below you may find the brochure of the Development Agency of Serbia egarding the investments into Serbia Agri food:

Learn more about Serbia`s investing potentials by clicking on the pictures below.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucicparticipated today in the commemoration of theRemembrance Day of 17 March2004 - Pogrom in Kosovo and Metohija. He said that exactly 17 years ago, a pogrom took place in Kosovo and Metohija, and that pogrom surpassed all other crimes.

"There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest, these words of Elie Wiesel, a camp survivor and Nobel laureate, make it forever incumbent upon usnot to remain silent against crime, regardless of who and for what reason committed it", President Vucic stated and added that we remembered and learned every lesson in which we were losers, each one in which we were silent to our own victims, and each one when we were ready to forget.

"Serbia is no longer weak today, nor is it a country of losers, it does not threaten, but it does not forget either, it is ready for talks, but not for humiliation.Serbia, just like everyone else, has the right to take care of its people, their safety and well-being.

The right to life is a fundamental human right and we will always defend it", President Vucic said. President Vucic said that pogrom surpasses all other crimes, because it is not only an act, but an intention, a policy, a premediated attempt to forcibly cleanse persons belonging to other peoples and faiths from a region or a country.

"We have no right to remain silent to that", said the President of Serbia, emphasizing that we have an obligation to be winners without blood spilledand war, to be the best in the economy, healthcare, sports, education and everything else that implies development and progress.

"We also wish others to workon themselves and be successful,because we are aware that crime is a tool for losers that winners do not need, as they remember, but forgive and move on, while the losers keep spinning in the same vicious circle. We Serbs do not want to be that anymore, we want a future in which we will remember, but from which we will not return. We know what happened and we call it by its real name", President Vucic concluded.

Photo: DimitrijeGoll

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today for a farewell visit the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey Tanju Bilgiç and thanked him for contributing to the strengthening of political dialogue between the two countries, as well as comprehensive cooperation, especially in the field of economy.

The two interlocutors agreed that bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey are at the highest level today and that thus the two countries provide strong support for the stability of the entire region. In this regard, President Vučić emphasised he was pleased that he had established close cooperation with President Erdoğan, thanks to mutual trust and understanding.

President Vučić said that the political dialogue in recent years has been very intense and that the same can be stated for economic cooperation, considering that trade has almost doubled in the last four years. President Vučić pointed out that he highly respects the personal contribution of President Erdoğan to the arrival of investors from Turkey to Serbia.

Ambassador Bilgiç said that at the moment, about 1,000 Turkish companies operate on the Serbian market and that he is convinced this number will constantly increase, thanks to the good market conditions and the financial stability that our country has achieved.

The two interlocutors also discussed the results of specific joint projects, with the most important projects in the field of infrastructure.

President Vučić wished Ambassador Bilgiç good health, as well as much success in his future professional engagement. 

Belgrade, 09th March 2021

8 March 2021

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia Nikola Selakovic said today that the fight against all forms of crime was a top priority of the Serbian Government and an integral part of the EU accession process.

(click the photograph to view the video)

"It is also our moral duty, in order to leave a better world for the generations to come", Selakovic said participating via video-link at the 14th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, held in Kyoto.

Minister Selakovic emphasized that Serbia, in its Second Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment from 2019, identified as its goal to eliminate cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism and irregular migration.

The Serbian Foreign Minister pointed out that our country had established in a timely manner a normative and institutional framework that regulates prevention of abuse in this area, as well as that the Office of the Special Prosecutor for Cybercrime, a special court department and a special police unit were established.

The Minister underlined that, in the field of the fight against corruption, Serbia was guided by the postulates set out in the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the UN Convention against Corruption.

Selakovic pointed out the efforts made by the Anti-Corruption Agency, as an independent state body, to protect the public interest, build individual and institutional integrity, strengthen transparency and accountability of the public administration.

"We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism, including extremism and radicalism, and call for them to be fully eradicated, while implementing the relevant UN resolutions and conventions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy", the Head of Serbian diplomacy underscored.

In order to combat these complex phenomena efficiently and successfully, Selakovic said, it was of vital importance to build capacities of our societies and states, while exchanging experiences at the regional and global levels.

Minister Selakovic thanked Japanese Ambassador Hikihara for the skill he showed in conducting the talks on harmonizing and adopting the Kyoto Declaration, which, as he stressed, was an important indicator of the commitment to creating and maintaining the institutional framework for crime prevention as one of the main preconditions for promoting sustainable development goals.

"Back in 1970 when Japan hosted this event for the first time, we demonstrated strong political will to draw attention to the problem. Today, it is incumbent upon us to reaffirm this willingness and resolve and translate it into concrete steps", the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić talked earlier tonight on the phone with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. On that occasion, President Vučić congratulated his colleague, President Erdoğan, on his 67th birthday and wished him good health and success in his work.

In that regard, President Vučić informed President Erdogan about the progress of vaccination in Serbia, as well as about the fact that Serbia continues to help its neighbours in the immunisation process. President Erdoğan said that Serbia thus shows how important peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans are for our country. In that regard,

President Vučić informed President Erdogan about the course of vaccination in Serbia, as well as about the fact that Serbia continues to help its neighbours in the immunisation process. President Erdoğan said that Serbia thus shows how important peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans are to our country.

The two statesmen affirmed that the bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey are at the highest level and that the two countries are thus contributing to the stability of the entire region. Considering the Serbian-Turkish economic cooperation, they stated that about a thousand Turkish companies operate on the Serbian market currently, and they expressed hope that this number will increase. President Vučić said that he highly appreciates the personal contribution of President Erdoğan to the arrival of investors from Turkey to Serbia. President Vučić and President Erdoğan discussed specific joint projects, highlighting projects in the field of infrastructure such as the highway between Belgrade and Sarajevo.

The two officials also discussed the full range of regional and global issues and expressed hope that circumstances would soon allow them to meet and continue their constructive conversation.

Belgrade, 26th February 2021

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic talked today with outgoing Turkish Ambassador to Serbia Tanju Bilgiç about the achieved results in cooperation and bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as plans and projects for the future.

Brnabic assessed that the cooperation between Serbia and Turkey is currently at the highest level and that it greatly contributes, not only to bilateral relations and economic development, but also to the stability of our region. Summarising the joint projects, the Prime Minister pointed out that those in the field of infrastructure are especially important, highlighting the project of regional friendship and prosperity – the Belgrade-Sarajevo-Belgrade highway.

Bilgiç pointed out that Turkey considers Serbia a great friend and the most important country in the region, which greatly contributes to its stability and cooperation.

He stated that approximately a thousand Turkish companies are currently operating in Serbia and that this number will increase, thanks to good market conditions and the financial stability that Serbia has achieved.

Belgrade, 26 February 2021

Overview of the Investment Potential of Spa and Special Climate Regions in Serbia

18 February 2021

The Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church elected His Eminence Metropolitan Porfirije of Zagreb-Ljubljana, PhD, as the new Serbian Patriarch, in its convocation in Memorial Cathedral of Saint Sava in Belgrade on 18 February 2021.

Immediately after the election a thanksgiving service was officiated and Many Years was chanted to the Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije. Bells at Saint Sava Cathedral in the Vracar district of Belgrade rang a few minutes before 4:00 pm indicating that the 46th Patriarch of Serbia was elected.

Newly-elected Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch Porfirije (Peric) was born on 22 July 1961 in Becej, to father Radivoje and Mother Radojka.He was baptized as Prvoslav. He finished primary school in Curug, and the “Jovan JovanovicZmaj” Grammar School in Novi Sad. He was ordained a monk according to the rite of small schime by his spiritual father, then hieromonk Dr. Irinej (Bulovic), at Decani Monastery on Sunday of St. Thomas in 1985.

He graduated from the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Belgrade in 1986, when the then Bishop of Raska-Prizren Diocese, future Serbian Patriarch Pavle of blessed memory, ordained him a hierodeacon at the monastery of Holy Trinity in Musutiste.

He attended postgraduate studies in Athens from 1986 until 1990. That year, upon the blessing of Bishop Dr. Irinej of Backa, he joined the monastery of Holy Archangels in Kovilj, where he was ordained as hieromonk and became its abbot.

Many young monks and novices came to the monastery following him. These were the years when the Kovilj Monastery became a spiritual center for many young people: intellectuals, artists, popular actors and rock musicians, especially from Novi Sad and Belgrade. Since then abbot Porfirije has particularly dealt with drug-addicted patients. In 2005, he formed for this purpose a therapeutic community called “The Land of the Living”, which is recognized as the most successful drug-addiction therapy project and, under the leadership of Bishop Porfirije, it has more than a hundred residents in camps throughout Serbia today.

During the ordinary meeting of the Holy Assembly of Bishops of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Belgrade on 14 May 1999 he was elected as Bishop of Jegar, Vicar of the Diocese of Backa.

He defended his PhD thesis Possibility of knowability of God in St. Paul’s understanding according to the interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom at the Faculty of Theology of the University of Athens in 2004.

He became a lecturer at the Faculty of Orthodox Theology - Department of Pastoral Psychology - succeeding famous psychiatrist, academician Dr. VladetaJerotic.His lectures have been attended not only by students of the Faculty of Orthodox Theology, but other Belgrade faculties as well. Together with a group of experts: psychologists, doctors, criminologists, sociologists, Bishop Porfirije founded a civic association that deals with the resocialization of victims of destructive religious sects and cults.

Bishop Porfirije has not been just president of the Steering Board for a decade, but a real spiritusmovens of the Humanitarian Fund “Privrednik”, which has provided scholarships for a great number of gifted, but poor pupils and students, regardless of their nationality or religious affiliation.

In 2005, the National Assembly elected him as representative of all Churches and religious communities, to be a member of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, and in 2008 the RBA elected him its president.As President of the Council of the Republic Broadcasting Agency, Bishop Porfirijesupported the long-term interests of society and citizens, unaffected by political influences.

Since then, church radio stations have been heard in the broadcasting spectrum of Serbia. He has made a key contribution to launching of a series of radio and television shows dealing with religious topics.

In 2010, The Holy Assembly of Bishops entrusted him to establish military chaplaincy in the Serbian Armed Forces.The fruits of his labour in that field include not only the suitable legal regulations, but also the selection of military chaplains, the organization and equipping of churchesat barracks and performance of the first religious services.

His expert theological works Bishop Porfirije published in magazines both in Serbia and abroad. He participated in a large number of scientific conferences and symposia across the globe.

Bishop Porfirije, as one of the most prominent contemporary Serbian clergymen and intellectuals, has an extremely wide circle of friends, not only in the Homeland, and he fosters personal friendship and close cooperation with priests and representatives of other Churches and religious communities.

He speaks Greek, English, German and usesthe Russian language, while his style of communication is always adapted to his interlocutors.

He was enthroned as the Metropolitan of Zagreb and Ljubljana on 13 July 2014 in the Cathedral Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord in Zagreb. The solemn Hierarchal Liturgy was served by Serbian Patriarch Irinej, accompanied by a large number of archbishops of the Serbian Church and other sister Churches, as well as priests and monks, and pious people.

Source: SPC/Serbian Orthodox Church

Serbia as a key country for duty-free trade with the EU

Ministry of Trade R. Turkey especially singles out cooperation with Serbia, as one of the "priority countries", in 2020-2021. bearing in mind that there are currently more than 700 Turkish companies established in Serbia, and that through various trade agreements, especially with the EU, Serbia has become a key country for duty-free trade. After the signing of the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and Turkey, the customs duty on the import of industrial products was abolished. When it comes to agricultural and similar products, certain tax reliefs have been established, while all customs duties have been abolished on others. Trade has long exceeded one billion dollars, and the new goal is an exchange of 5 billion dollars.

Serbia, as a country lying at the confluence of the Sava and Danube, with an excellent geographical position and signed trade agreements with many countries, has become very attractive to various investors. With signed trade agreements (with the EU, CEPTA, Turkey, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan) and joining the preferential system (USA, Japan and Australia), Serbia is a key country in terms of access of Turkish products to the European market with its duty-free approach for almost 1.3 billions of consumers. In terms of ease of doing business from 190 countries, Serbia is on the 44th place. Serbia is the third largest country in the Balkans, after Romania and Greece. Thanks to the cooperation and close dialogue between the two presidents, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Aleksandar Vučić, in the last five years, the relations between the two countries have really gained momentum. In the plan for 2020-2021, the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey singled out Serbia as a "priority country" with which the volume of trade exceeded one billion dollars, and the goal was set at 5 billion dollars.

FTA EXCEEDED 200%

After the signing of the Free Trade Agreement in 2010, the exchange between the two countries exceeded the estimated 200 percent. Until 2015, there were 130 Turkish companies in Serbia. In 2020, this number increased to 700. Turkish companies in Serbia mainly operate in the field of textiles, automotive industry, electrical industry, machinery and machinery, banking, as well as in the tourism and retail sectors.

DIVERSITY OF TOURISM

Serbia's economic growth is well deserved by the services sector. As the KOVID 19 pandemic has hit the economy hard, Serbia is taking important steps to make the country the center of tourist attention again after the panmedia. In this field, the Serbian government pays special attention to the better development of tourism and spa services. In addition to the capital of tourism, Belgrade, it is planned to expand to other cities, as well as to provide a wider range of services, especially emphasizing mountain and spa tourism. As a country that is not so experienced when it comes to thermal waters, Turkish experts and investors in this field are desirable.

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS

With the beginning of the process for membership in the European Union, Serbia and many industrial companies have started large investments in the automotive and machine industry and production, in order to get closer to the main industrial companies in the EU with this investment.

PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND CHEMISTRY

Pharmaceuticals and chemicals are also a target sector for Turkish investors. After Russia with $ 3.2 billion in exports in the pharmaceutical industry, Serbia has $ 1.5 billion in exports. Turkey's share is about $ 48m.

DUTY FREE APPROACH

Since the Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and Turkey was signed in 2015, the import of industrial products has been done duty-free. When it comes to agricultural products, tax relief is applied for certain products and quotas.

THE ADVANTAGE OF EUROPE AND SUCCESS TO BE CLOSE TO THE THIRD MARKET POSITION

In his answers for the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia, Zoran Markovic, said that during the last few years, the relationship between Serbia and Turkey has been steadily rising. Can you briefly tell us about trade and economic relations between Turkey and Serbia?

Economic relations between Serbia and Turkey have been steadily rising in recent years. Our two presidents, President Erdogan and President Vučić, gave their initial contribution to that, who, in frequent and direct communication, try to encourage businessmen of our countries to cooperate as closely as possible, realizing that there is a huge potential for that. The trade exchange between our two countries used to exceed one billion US dollars. Turkish companies are present in Serbia in infrastructure projects, but there are also a large number of those who have decided to open their factories in Serbia in various branches, from textiles, through trade to food production. Currently, over 700 Turkish companies operate in Serbia. What we notice, as the Embassy, ​​is that there is a certain imbalance in trade between the two countries, so it is necessary for the Turkish market to get acquainted with a wide range of Serbian products, which I am sure there is interest from Turkish consumers. First of all, I mean Serbian raspberries, which are world famous and represent one of the brands of our agriculture. On the other hand, the Serbian market is interested in importing industrial strawberries, for which Turkey is very famous. There is remarkable potential for joint performance in third markets, high technology and the military industry.

President of the Republic and Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army Aleksandar Vucic attended a demonstration of capabilities of one part of Serbian Army units in the "RastkoNemanjić" barracks in Pancevo. On this occasion, President Vucic stated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristina at any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.

The President said that he would rather put his "head on the chopping block" than sign any document with arecognition and reminded that he had already once refused to do so in Washington, where there were two versions of the agreement.

He stated that he immediately had his delegationleave the meeting, that he told the U.S. delegation that Serbiawould not sign such an agreement,while conveying that Serbia would always endeavour to hold peaceful talks in order to preserve peace, but that it would not take any humiliation.

The Serbian President thanked the U.S. President Joe Biden for the letter of congratulations on the occasion of the upcoming Statehood Day, in which, in addition to the usual emphasis on commitment to promoting economic cooperation, regional stability and democratic values, he unequivocally called for mutual recognition of Serbia and "Kosovo" as a result.

Mutual recognition between Serbia and "Kosovo" is not part of any act of any world organization, the President pointed out and reiterated that Serbia was ready to continue the EU-facilitated dialogue with Pristinaat any point, while respecting also the position of the United States as well as the positions of Russia and China.

According to the president, the situation is difficult and will only be increasingly difficult.

"As I told you three days ago, I can see it and I expect it, I cansee the situation slowly tightening, because the conflicts between themat the global levelhave beenincreasing and intensifying, and then we have to pay the price", the President said.

President Vucic said that said that it was up to our state to continue strengthening the country in the economic sense.

The President added that the role of the army was very important in the highly complex security and political conditions of the modern world, and that was why Serbia needed to do everything it could to deter any potential aggressor and attacks on citizens and the country.

"The policy of strengthening the armed forces will continue at a faster pace", the President emphasized, adding that the goal was for the Serbian Army to play a stabilizing role with regard to the political developments in the region.

According to him, it should be clear to everyone that Serbia was not a punching bag and that noteveryonecould attack and threaten it like it was the case in the past.

Vucic said that he was pleased with what he saw and that a lot had been done in the previous period, pointing out that the salaries of military personnel would be significantly increased as of April.

President Vucic also stated that investments in the Serbian Army would continue, whomhe told that he expected the Army to continue to be the guardian of our country, its integrity and freedom.

"We expect you to be the guardians of our country, its integrity and freedom, the defenders of our people, the guardians of the homeland, the protectors of the interests of the state of Serbia and to be a deterrent factor forevery aggressor and anyone who might consider attacking Serbia", Vucic said.

The military exercise called "Spearhead" demostrated the capabilities of the 72nd Special Operations Brigade, and the event, which the President of Serbia and the Supreme Commander of the Serbian Army assessed as very good, was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Nebojsa Stefanovic and Chief of General Staff ofthe Serbian Armed Forces, General Milan Mojsilovic.

21. JANUAR 2021.

At the initiative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, as of 21 January, businesspeople from the entire world, foreign and domestic citizens, who travel to our country for business reasons, can cross the border of the Republic of Serbia by a simplified procedure, which is different from the rules that apply to other travellers.

At the initiative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Government of the Republic of Serbia has allowed foreign and domestic citizens, who enter the Republic of Serbia for business reasons, to cross the border with prior notice to the Chamber, and afterwards, within 24 hours upon entering the country, to obtain and submit a negative rapid antigen test for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus issued by a reference laboratory of the Republic of Serbia. “In these circumstances, when most countries introduce additional restrictions, Serbia has found a way, with the application of the epidemiological measures, to facilitate business operations to business people from the entire world, companies already operating here, as well as those that are entering our country for their future business by simplifying the procedures for entering the country, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia in performing the required formalities”, Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, said.

Čadež reminded that business travel and contacts with businessmen were not a matter of choice, but the need of business, and expressed his hope that other countries would follow Serbia’s example so that companies all around the world would be able to carry out their business activities during the global health crisis with the lowest possible costs and waste of time, and to get out of the pandemic crisis with the least possible consequences.

According to the new rules, owners, managers, and employees within their companies, who intend to travel to Serbia for business reasons, and when entering the country, do not hold a negative RT-PCR test for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus issued by a reference laboratory of the country they are coming from, issued within maximum 48 hours before their arrival, will previously have to announce their arrival to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, which will timely inform the border police on it in order to enable them to cross the border. Upon entering the country, they will take a rapid antigen test at a Serbian reference laboratory, submit the test to the Chamber, and if it is negative, they will continue to carry out their planned activities.

For the announcement of arrival, and all necessary information and support, please contact the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia within 48 hours before the planned entry into Serbia via e-mail at inocovid19@pks.rs

The request, on a business letterhead, which is to be submitted to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia has to include the following data: Name and surname of the person announcing his/her entry into Serbia for business reasons; Number of travel document and name of the issuing country; A brief description of the business reasons for entering Serbia; Date and border crossing point of entry into Serbia, flight number and name of an airline company, i.e. registration number of passenger motor vehicle; Date of entry and duration of the person’s stay in Serbia; The address at which the person intends to stay while in Serbia; The person’s contact phone and e-mail during his/her stay in Serbia.

The new procedures will not apply to those who arrive from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, and North Macedonia that are allowed to enter Serbia without a PCR test in compliance with the previous decision. All persons holding a negative RT-PCR test for the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus issued by a reference laboratory of the country they are coming from, issued within maximum 48 hours before their arrival, can also enter the Republic of Serbia.

List of reference laboratories

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Nikola Selakovic received today a farewell call from the Ambassador of Turkey Tanju Bilgiç, whom he thanked for his active engagement during his tenure in our country and wished success in further work.

Selakovic said that he was pleased with the level of bilateral relations, mutual cooperation based on trust and respect, which was further affirmed during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as with the intensive political dialogue between Serbia and Turkey.

The Serbian Foreign Minister emphasized the importance of excellent personal and professional relations between the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, and the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which were significantly contributing to the development of political, economic and all other relations between our two countries.

"We are also looking forward to continuing the exchange of visits at the high and top level", Selakovic said, emphasizing that there was an open invitation to his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, to visit Serbia.

Minister Selakovic underlined in particular the importance of the infrastructure project to be carried out with the financial assistance of Turkey, namely the Belgrade-Sarajevo-Belgrade motorway, as well as of the cooperation with Turkey on the construction of energy infrastructure. "We welcome Turkey's growing interest in investing in the Serbian economy, as well as the realization of a number of investments in less developed parts of Serbia", the Minister said, stressing Serbia's commitment to further improving economic cooperation with Turkey.

Belgrade, 26 January 2021

Serbian President AleksandarVucic pointed out that Serbia is the first in Europe in terms of economic growth, which will be officially confirmed at the end of March, and that this was possible owing to the reform measures taken since 2014 and the rapid opening of the country after the first wave of coronavirus.

The President pointed out that Serbia had a growth of 5.2 percent in the first quarter, while the Eurozone was at minus 3.2 percent, in the second quarter Serbia had a growth of minus6.3 percent, while the Eurozone was at minus 14.7 percent, and in the third quarter, when the Eurozone was at minus 4.3 percent, Serbia's figure was only minus 1.4 percent. Vucic stated that Montenegro, for example, recorded as much as 26 percent minus in the third quarter.

Furthermore, the President emphasized that hospitals were built and renovated in our country, and that two hospitals were built from the ground up in just four months.

He said that the state made significant efforts to procure respirators, masks, gloves, protective suits, medicines, everything that was needed, and pointed out that work was being done on 10 general hospitals throughout Serbia, adding that all these were major achievements that were only possible owing to the success of the 2014 reforms, the enactment of the Labor Law, which yielded excellent results, and also through fiscal consolidation measures.

"These are unprecedented results for Serbia. Was Serbia ever before the first in Europe in terms of growth rate? We will get the results on 31 March that will confirm that Serbia is number one in Europe. All that was possible thanks to people who believed in difficult changes",Vucic said.

According to the President, this year, as many as six highways will be built in Serbia at the same time, and in this regard, he noted that Bulgaria has announced that the highway from our border to Sofia will be completed by the end of the year, after which it will be possible to use motorway to travel to Istanbul, which is very important to ensure that our country is on a transport route.

President Vucic emphasized that in 2020, the so-called year of corona, our country had a net inflow of foreign direct investment amounting toEUR 2.9 billion net, and three billion gross, which means that many foreign companies such as Toyota Tires, Boysen, ZTF and Brose have invested in Serbia even in this year of crisis.

The President said that Serbia has the highest average wages in the region, amounting to 511 or 512 euros, and that in February, due to the January increase, the average wagewill be 535 or 536 euros, and that only in Belgrade in the last seven years the average wageincreased by 180 euros or 40 percent.

That President said that Serbia was fourth in the regionin terms of salariesbefore, and that today we are officially the first, and that the difference in relation to other countries will only increase faster.He also pointed out that the employment rate is growing in Serbia as well as that our public debt increased less than in most European countries. This is illustrated by the data that in Italy the public debt surged to 156 percent, in Germany to 87 percent, in France to 114 percent, in Croatia to 88 percent, while in Serbia it is at 57 percent.

The Serbian President announced that by Sretenje, 15February, an additional package of assistance to the economy will be earmarked, and as he explained, it will be a new capital injection for companies, the trade, entrepreneurs, small, medium and large enterprises which, as he said, concerns 1,052,000 people within that system.

Vucic specified that it will most likely be help in the form of two or three payments amounting to half a minimum wage each, and thatthere will also be sectoral aid for tourism, hotel owners, travel agencies, guides, for bus carriers, through another half minimum wage payment.

The President added that efforts will be made to extend the guarantee schemes as well, which proved to be excellent, amounting to 1.5 billion, and this time, through the same system, two more portions amounting to 500 million each could be provided.

Vucic said that the first agreements with DFC worth 300 to 400 million dollars are expected in seven days.

He also stated that the statewill endeavour to help pensioners further, in addition to increasing pensions by5.9 percent in January,which will be reflected in their first checks in February, and added that pensioners should by March receive symbolic aid in the form ofpackages with vitamin C, D and zinc, which, as the President said, are small things, but they reflect the state's care and efforts made to protect health.

The President announced that negotiations on the procurement of the Chinese vaccine would be completed in the next seven to eight days, after the first quantities of the Pfizer and Sputnik V vaccines have arrived in Serbia, and pointed out that the Chinese vaccine was of exceptional quality, but probably the most expensive, which is why he wrote to the Chinese President and asked for a discount for our country.

Vucic thanked the Americans for deciding to sell the vaccine to our country and noted that no one in the region other than Serbia has received it, except for the small quantity that Albania got.

He pointed out that our state relied on itself and its own capacities, and that our state leadership anticipated that vaccines within the European COVAX plan would arrive late.

The President rejected the claims about bad results of Serbia in the fight against the corona virus and stated that our country has recorded the lowest corona virus mortality rate in the region.

He presented statistical information indicating that Slovenia had 144 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, North Macedonia 126, Bosnia and Herzegovina 123, Bulgaria 115, Montenegro 115, Hungary 110, Croatia 107, Romania 85, and Serbia 51.

"The mortality rate in the region is as follows: Bulgaria 3.9, Bosnia and Herzegovina 3.7, Hungary 3.11, North Macedonia 3.03, Romania 2.48. Slovenia 2.15, Croatia 1.99, Montenegro 1.4, and Serbia 1.0. This can be seen in the graphs and is no fabrication", the President stressed.

He said that the state will fight for vaccines, and that only Serbia, in the Western Balkans, received significant quantities of vaccines, other than a smaller quantity that Albania received, and added that in one day since the registration for vaccination opened, as many as 63,000 persons have registered.

President Vucic expressed his belief that the year ahead will be better than the previous one as well as that the corona virus will be defeated through vaccination of citizens.  Belgrade, 12 January 2021

Belgrade, 1st January 2021

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić opened this morning a new Balkan Stream gas pipeline in Gospođinci near Žabalj. The pipeline passes through Serbia from the Bulgarian to the Hungarian border.

"This is an important day for our country, let the gas start flowing and let us be even more successful. I wish you a Happy New Year, and I want to thank all our Russian friends who participated with us in constructing this pipeline. Congratulations on a tremendous job, this is of great importance for the industry, the progress of the Serbian economy, but also of great importance for all the citizens of our country," said the President.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia provided energy stability and security through the "Balkan Stream" gas pipeline, which is vital for attracting new investors, and added that gas is distributed from that place through the system of primary and secondary gas pipelines.

"This guarantees us a more certain and secure future. When you have gas in each municipality, then you can attract everyone who wants to open factories. There is still work to be done, but this pipeline guarantees us a more certain future. With the support of Russian partners, Serbia has managed to secure supplying its territory with gas. But from here, it will also go to Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina," said President Vučić.

He pointed out that we procure gas through that gas pipeline at a price of up to 155 dollars, with much lower transport costs than through another gas pipeline through which we have been supplied so far. The President noted that additional USD 30 were charged for delivering gas through Ukraine and Hungary to Serbia plus USD 18 for distribution across our territory.

Considering the high price of the gas pipeline construction, the favourable circumstance is that together with our partner, we will charge the transit tax and thus pay those costs, said the President.

President Vučić announced that the gas would be brought to many municipalities where it is not available, which will additionally attract everyone who wants to open factories.

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Botsan-Kharchenko, said that this is the best New Year's gift.

"This gas pipeline will provide stability to Serbia and an opportunity for the development of internal infrastructure and energy stability," the Ambassador pointed out.

The Balkan Stream is part of the Turkish Stream gas pipeline, a project of Russia's Gazprom and Turkey's Botash, to provide a stable gas supply to Turkey, southern and southeastern Europe. The pipeline is 930 kilometres long with a capacity of 31.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year. The first arm passes through Turkey, while the second arm runs to Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary. Serbia and Bulgaria call that part of the gas pipeline the "Balkan Stream".

January 3, 2021

Our compatriots living abroad are one of the great potentials that the state has not recognized in the right way so far, which is why a different approach is needed to the issue of how to strengthen our diaspora and use the good will of people who are potential lobbyists for the interests of Serbia and the Serbian people, Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic said.

"When it comes to Serbs in the diaspora, and especially in the region, this issue has been a kind of an unattended cropwhich requires a lot of work, and even when a lot is done at once this is not apparent immediately ", Minister Selakovic stated in an interview with Tanjug.

He emphasized that the appointment of the Director of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Region for the first time after almost seven years since thisbody was formed within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shows that it is one of the priorities of the Ministry he is at the helm of.

Selaković notes that intensive efforts have been long underway on forming a plan to make the diaspora more visible both outside the borders of Serbia and in the mother country itself.

"Every person in the diaspora is a potential lobbyist for the interests of our country and people, and we need to find the right way to use that", he said.

That much can be done in that regard Selakovic illustrates with the fact that only in Switzerland, in 24 cities, there are Serbian cultural and artistic associations which amounts to more than 3,000 young people who get together in order to preserve our tradition, culture, the Serbian language and history.

"If they were able to set up such associationsin 24 cities, it speaks volumes about the enthusiasm of these people. There is so much enthusiasm, energy and love in these people. We need to exploreways to help them and use their good will and potential", the Minister points out.

He also cites the example of an emigrant family in Canada, the Varaklic family from southwestern Serbia, who sends Christmas packages for children in the Raska region every year. He adds that they have so far donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to non-governmental organizations for those needs alone, but he says that we do not see that here.

"The state does not recognize this, and these are people who gained success as entrepreneursworking in a distant country, who can be serious lobbyists for Serbia, for Serbian interests, someone who represents us in the best possible way", Minister Selakovic said.

Minister Selakovic also pointed out that Arnaud Gouillon has been appointed ashead of the Office for Cooperation with the Diaspora and Serbs in the Regionand described him as a man of extraordinary energy, great love for the Serbian people, which he showed in his engagement towards Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, where they were seriously endangered. "By doing so, he showed and set an example to many of our compatriots of what an individual can do. And when one such individual focuses energy, enthusiasm and love for people, onwork done within the state administration system, I think that the preconditions have been created for such activities to yield good results", Minister Selakovic said.

January 2, 2021

This year, Serbia could finally haveAmbassadors and Consuls General appointed to about a third of the currently vacant positions in the country's diplomatic and consular missions in the world, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selakovic is convinced that most of these positions will be filled, as he points out, by the best possible people.

"In the next year, I am convinced that the majority of these vacancies will be filled",Selakovic told Tanjug, emphasizing that the work is being done gradually, because the state wants to show that is has a quality staff who will represent Serbia's interests in the best possible way.

The Head of Serbian diplomacy reminded that in a number of diplomatic missions, the four-year mandate of Ambassadors and Consuls General has already expired, so that the procedure for appointing new ones will follow, after their recall.

One of the "vacant" spots is the post of the Serbian Ambassador to China.

"We are working hard to find the best possible solution for our new Ambassador to China and as we appointed one of the best people in the state system as Ambassador to the United States, who, I am sure, will perform his duties in the best possible way, I am convinced that it will be the same for the Ambassador in Beijing", Selakovic said.

The Minister, who took over the foreign policy sector in the Government a little over two months ago, points out that circumstances in the world, as well as Serbia's position in it, have changed, but that Serbia's foreign policy goals do not change: the country remains strategically committed to European integration and, whilepursuing the EU path, it will also strengthen traditional friendships with Russia and China, as well as promote and strengthen new partner relations with the United States.

"Relations in the region, good-neighborly relations, regional cooperation are also important for Serbia, because this fits into the set of requirements on the European path. But, even regardlessof the European path, it is always important who you live next to, who you live with, what your neighbors are like and what the relations are like in the neighborhood", Minister Selakovic said.

He also points out that the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is of inestimable importance, it being the main national and state issue for Serbia and the Serbian people.

"When I say that circumstances are changing, but not the goals - the EU and European integration was our goal seven years ago as well, but look at what our room for maneuverwas then, in terms of economic aspects, and look at it today. Circumstances changed, and thenyou adjust your actions to these changed circumstances, to the best extent possible",MinisterSelakovic said.

He reminds that foreign policy priorities for 2021 were also outlined by the President of the Republic,and that maintaining peace and stability in the region is the absolute priority.

"Only in a peaceful and stable region of the Western Balkans and Southeast Europe can Serbia thrive economically, culturally and scientifically - in every respect. Peace and stabilityin the region are “sine qua non” without which there is no development and progress. Serbia has acted, is acting and will act as a factor that stabilizes the entire region and maintains peace in the region, showing that it is the region that benefits everyone the most", MinisterSelakovic said.

Relations in the region have always been complex, and the region, Minister Selakovic noted, is to our great regret, burdened with issues that we cannot have a bearing on, and which concern the past.

Serbia's approach is to seek room to influence what is happening today and what will happen happen in the future.

In this context, he states that the so-called "mini-Schengen" initiative for market unification of the region, which originated from Aleksandar Vucic and was met with a positive response from the Prime Ministers of Albania and North Macedonia, is one of the opportunities to do much more for the region.

"To show how much more we can do if we act together and if we seek our common denominators, and not what separates and divides us ", Selakovic points out.

When it comes to relations with the United States, Selakovic said that one should not expect the great powers to change their positions the way we would like, want or imagine, but that it is important that the Ambassador in Washington, Marko Djuric, also emphasized that this task, among other things, will be to make efforts to change the climate in bilateral relations with the United States - the most important country in the world, as our lacking communication with themin the pastseriously affected the position of the Serbian people and Serbia.

"I am convinced that Djuric will work seriously on that, together with President Vucic,Prime Minister Brnabic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and contributeto a large extentto changing that climate", Minister Selakovic said. He points out that it is extremely important for Serbia to promote its partner relations with the United States to a higher level.

"This is a country with which we cooperate closely in many areas and a country with which we must strive, and not give up in doing so, to find what we have in common, our common groundand good examples of our cooperation in the past, and to create space for such cooperation in the future as well", Minister Selakovic concluded.

December 29, 2020

Preservation of peace, taking care of the health and better living standard are key for Serbia in 2021, underlined President of the Republic AleksandarVucic, convinced that even though the completion of this ambitious and by no means easy task will be anything but straightforward, best results can be achieved by working in concert with the Government, while ensuring security and a future of certainty for the citizens. 

The President said that Serbia has set for itself great and ambitious goals for the next year, notwithstanding the complex international and regional circumstances, and that it will endeavour to fully preserve peace and stability in the region and the country, while safeguarding the vital national and state interests.

"Serbia will remain on the course of a winning policy - the policy of stability", President Vucic said and stressed that our country remains on the European integration path and that it will carefully foster its friendship with Russia and China, while building a friendship with the United States as well.

According to the President, Serbia will continue to pursue a winning policy, with the country itself as a top priority, i.e., a policy that will enable Serbia to continue beingone of thetop three countries in Europe in terms of growth rate in the next two years.

A precondition for that, the President noted, is to crack down on criminal groups, but also to ensure even bigger investments in the police and army forces.

"Serbia is the country that recorded the highest growth in Europe in 2020", the President pointed out at the annual press conference and added that he expects to conclude a new arrangement with the IMF, as well as that Serbia, by the end of next year or early 2022, will raise its credit rating to an "investment" one, which will put our country's rating on par with the most developed EU countries. As the greatest success in 2020, Vucicnoted that Serbia will end the year with the highestgrowth rate in Europe, which, as he said, is expected to be from minus 0.75 percent tominus one.

"I am proud to be the President of a country that is the European champion in terms of GDP",Vucic pointed out and added that German Chancellor Angela Merkel was also pleased with Serbia's success.

According to President Vucic, this result will encourage Serbia to accelerate its European path, while continuing friendships with those who did not turn their backs on Serbia when it was at its darkest hour, namely Russiaand China.

The President pointed out that the activities to attract foreign investors will continue, then that work will be done on investments in agriculture, primarily the food industry, newmachinery, and digitalization of agriculture. President Vucic also emphasized that the goal is for salaries in the public sector to average between 560 and 570 euros by the end of the year. Only in Belgrade, the average salary would be around 700 euros.

President Vucic reminded that the salaries of health care workers will increase by five percent from January 1, while the salaries of others in the public sector will increase by 3.5 percent and an additional 1.5 percent as of April 1, while corporal, private first class and non-commissioned officerarmy rankswill get an increase of an additional 10 percent. He noted that the minimum wage will be increased by 6.6 percent and so will pensions from January 1, by 5.9 percent, with the plan that the average pension amounts to 270 euros by the end of 2021.The President especially pointed out investments in health care, reminding that two new covid hospitals have been opened and that the renovation and construction of health facilities continues throughout Serbia, while stressing that Serbia is by far the first in the region in terms of hospitalized persons per 100,000 citizens, which is whyit has recorded a low mortality rate , and also that Serbia this yearhas been among the top three countries in the region according to the number of PCR tests performed.

Speaking about tourism, the President said that, next year,efforts will be made on the development of the Danube basin region, from Apatin to Kladovo, that the Ovcar-Kablar Gorge will be developed, as well as our mountain centers.

Discussing the field of culture and information, President Vucic said that the implementation of the media strategy and the completion of the reconstruction of the National Theater in Subotica are important for next year, and he announced investments in museums, especially emphasizing the relocation of the History Museum to the train station building. He also stated that the floor heating in the Church of Saint Sava will be completed next year.

He pointed out that the state will continue to take care of our citizens in Kosovo and Metohija, that no one can forbid Serbia to help its people, and that Serbia will not give up on helping our people.

As he emphasized, Serbia is ready to send medicines and vaccines to the Albanian population as well, and pointed out that in the upcoming period our country will pursue a policy of peace in the region and will endeavour to cooperate with Zagreb, Sarajevo, Podgorica and others.

Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister od Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management H.E. Mr. Branislav Nedimovic met his Turkish counterpart Minister of Agriculture and Forestry H.E. Mr. Bekir Pakdemirli on December 23, 2020 in Ankara.

This meeting confirmed the excelent relations existing between two countries and these two Ministeries.

The new possibilities for the cooperation in all aspects, especially in the aspects of  fruit production and livestock were discussed.  The sides agreed on complete opening of Turkih market for Serbian raspberry as a unique world brand coming from Serbia. 

Starting from December 20, 2020 a negative result of PCR test, done in the last 48 hours is mandatory when entering Serbia. PCR test is mandatory for foreign and Serbian citizens from what ever country they will be arriving. Serbian citizenns who come to boarder without the PCR test will be required to spend 10 days of self-isolation at their homes, that can be concluded before in case that the person does the PCR test after coming to Serbia and it results negative.

On the occasion of December 10, International Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia expresses once again its commitment to the achievements and values Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on this day in 1948.

The principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights formed the basis for building international law in this area, as well as the international system of promotion and protection of human rights, as a unique civilizational heritage of modern times. Our obligation today is to preserve and strengthen the international system for the respect of human rights, development of human rights standards, control over the fulfillment of commitments, as well as continued cooperation with international and regional institutions on human protection rights.

Serbia is fully committed to universal human rights values and implementation in the practice of international human rights legal instruments. Our continuous cooperation with the instruments of the Human Rights Council within the United Nations, as well as with The Council of Europe and the OSCE's human dimension mechanisms are an important part of activities of all state bodies and illustrates our consistent commitment to meet international human rights standards.

International Human Rights Day is an occasion when we can point out disenfranchisement once again on Serb and other non-Albanian population in Kosovo and Metohija and repeated the call to enable the international community to respect guaranteed international norms human rights and contribute to the creation of conditions for the return of internally displaced persons, as well as the return of their usurped property.

The President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić met today the ambassadors of EU Member States accredited to Serbia and the Head of the EU Delegation Sem Fabrizi in the Palace of Serbia, to talk to them about topics such as dynamics of the accession negotiations between Serbia and EU, stability in the region, regional projects, as well as the Economic and Investment Plan presented by the European Commission together with the Enlargement package.

President Vučić once again confirmed that cooperation with the European Union and fully-fledged membership of Serbia remain one of the key foreign policy priorities of our country. He particularly emphasised that in this respect Serbia is honestly dedicated to further and deeper reforms, approaching them with responsibility and seriousness, and that it tries to adopt and apply the best practice through cooperation with institutions of the EU and its member states.

"Serbia will continue being dedicated to the promotion of peace and stability in the region, by improving bilateral relations with neighbours, and by strengthening regional cooperation while respecting all concluded agreements", President Vučić stated, adding that the European future of the Western Balkans is of utmost importance for both stability of the entire region and security and further prosperity of the EU.

Ambassadors pointed out that declarations on the common regional market and the Western Balkans green agenda, which were signed by Serbia and all leaders of the region, received a warm welcome in Brussels and EU Member Stated, and that good and solid connectivity and integration of the region largely facilitates the cooperation of the very Union with the Western Balkans in all areas of joint interest. 

"As much as 70% of foreign investments come from the countries whose representatives are sitting here today", Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi said, adding that Serbia can rest assured the EU will continue supporting and investing in the Serbian economy. While Covid-19 has put all economies under stress, Serbian economy has resisted and proved its resilience. With the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, the EU will remain Serbia's strongest partner for economic recovery which will support infrastructures, green and digital transition. We welcome the announced reforms in the areas of rule of law, including judiciary reforms and media freedom. This is precisely the base for acceleration of the accession process and we encourage the new government to keep working and implementing in this direction", Fabrizi said.

President Vučić pointed out that Serbia highly appreciates that the EU, despite numerous challenges it is facing has managed to preserve the enlargement issue on its agenda, especially through the recent adoption of a new, changed methodology of the negotiation process.

"In this respect, we expect from the EU that Serbia's accession negotiation dynamics follows and values our reform efforts", President Vučić said pointing out that Serbia is ready to continue working with its European partners on implementation of the reforms and numerous joint projects.

President Vučić particularly noted that Serbia welcomes the Economic and investment plan presented by the EC together with the Enlargement package, and expressed our country's readiness to continue working with the partners in the region on the implementation of this Plan so as to improve the economic potential of the region and achieve better infrastructure connection, which would bring us closer to the single European market.

"In this context, we hope the Multiannual financial framework 2021-2027 will be adopted soon, because that will mean a possibility to use funds designed for reform implementation in Serbia and in the region", President Vučić said, reiterating that Serbia remains on its European path with an honest faith in cooperation with the European partners. "2020 has been an extremely difficult year for all, especially the impact of COVID–19. When I look at new Government's commitment to implement reforms, the Economic and Investment Plan of the EU, the new methodology and increased cooperation to fight COVID-19, I see 2021 with a much more favourable perspective for progressing the enlargement", Fabrizi concluded.

President Vučić also pointed out that Serbia is prepared to work intensively with the EU Member States on finding an adequate response to the new challenges, such as COVID-19 pandemic.

Belgrade, 8th December 2020

    The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara  has the sad duty to inform with profound regret the sad demise of His Holiness Irinej Archbishop of Pec, Metropolitan of Belgrade-Karlovci and Serbian Patriarch on November 20, 2020.

      Condolence messages can be sent to Embassy`s email: embserank@gmail.com.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, participated in the informal meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the countries memebers of South East European Cooperation Process. The meeting was held on November 6, 2020 in Antalya as part of the Turkish presidency of this regional initiative with the topic `Ways of Strenghtening Cooperation in Southeast Europe based on the experience of the Kovid 19 pandemic in the region `.

The meeting was an opportunity to present our position on a very current topic of the meeting, as well as to hold a trilateral multi-ministerial meeting Serbia-Turkey-BiH, as well as a series of bilateral meetings held on the sidelines.

Of particular importance was the meeting with the host, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, at which the traditional friendship was confirmed, the high level of bilateral relations was reaffirmed and the possibilities for their deepening were discussed.

The Brochure `Serbia - Emerging Tech Development Hub`  contains information for all companies interested for investing in Serbia regarding the government`s  supports for company establishing and doing business.

SKYPE Within the project “Learning Serbian as a native language through an online course 2020”, the Academic Serbian Association invites all the people from Serbian diaspora, ages 15 to 19, to apply for a free individual three month Serbian language course via Skype. Detailed information here

Date: June 12, 2020

Starting from June 11, all Turkish border crossings are open, except the ones on the Iranian border. When entering Turkish and foreign nationals will have a medical check-up and only in case of neccessity, free-of-charge PCR test will be applied.

Important:

Амбасада Републике Србије доставља позив за подношење понуда за продају 2 возила као секундарне сировине.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia submits an invitation to submit bids for the sale of 2 vehicles as secondary raw materials. 

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic met today, Febrary 20, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Suleyman Soylu. Both sides concluded that the two countries and, especially, two ministries of interior had excellent bilateral relations. The specific ways of deepening the cooperation of the two ministries were discussed at the meeting.

Serbian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Markovic visited the business association SANKON in Ankara and had an extensive meeting with the director Mr. Feridun Cavahiroglu and association members. SANKON is a business association whose members are more then hunderd companies in central Anatolia. The director of the association conveyed the intrests of its member companies to invest in Serbia and cooperate with Serbian companies. Ambassador Markovic greeted this initiative and expressed the readiness of the Embassy to support it in any way possible.

On February 13, 2020, a reception was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara on the occasion of National Day. About 250 guests were present, mostly members of the diplomatic corps, followed by the media and then prominent businessmen from Ankara and Ankara's political life. The Honorary Guest in front of the Government of the Republic of Turkey was Minister for Youth and Sports Mr. Mehmet Kasapolu, and MFA Deputy Faruk Kaymakci was present. Interestingly, this year's reception was also given great importance by the armed forces of the Republic of Turkey, represented by the commander of the Turkish Navy, Admiral Adnan Ozbal, with members of the General Staff.

Ambassador Z.Marković and Minister of Youth and Sports M. Kasapolu greeted the high-level national anthems after the intonation. Ambassador Markovic in his address, emphasized the outstanding bilateral relations between the two countries, established during the founding days of modern Turkey Kemal Pasha Ataturk and King Alexander Karadjordjevic, and strengthened through the close relations of President Alexander Vucic and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his address, Minister Casapolu elaborated on the achievements of bilateral relations over the past year, welcoming the progress made by the Republic of Serbia in the negotiations process to the European Union. He concluded his presentation by sending a message "Long live Turkish-Serbian friendship" in Serbian.

You can read Ambassador Markovic's speech at the following link here and the guest of honor, Minister Mehmet Kasapoglu, at the link here.

The officials, in a number of separate contacts, expressed particular satisfaction that they had the opportunity to attend an event organized in the historic building of the Serbian Embassy in Ankara, which is under the protection of Turkey as a cultural property, which has been completely renovated in the previous two years. Photos from this event, as well as video material, can be downloaded from the website of the Diplomatic Observer diplomatic corps: https://diplomaticobserver.com/_haber/serbia-s-national-day-was-celebrated-in -ankara

The Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Serbia announces the Open Call for the Co-Financing of Projects for the Translation of Representative Works of Serbian Literature into Foreign Languages in 2020. The Call is valid to March 16, 2020.

The purpose of the enclosed Open Call is stimulating translation projects of representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages.

The announcement and the form regarding the participation to the Open Call can be found here

For all detailed information the interested parties can contact Mr. Mladen Veskovic (mladen.veskovic@kultura.gov.rs).

On Wednesday, January 29, 2020 members of SHOM gathered after two months on a morning coffee in the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia on the invitation of Mrs. Tatjana Markovic, Spouse of the H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia. Mrs. Markovic gave a short presentation on her country, which was accompanied by beautiful Serbia recordings and music. Ambassador Markovic welcomed the guests and briefly explained the history of our embassy and the property on which it is located. After the presentation new members of SHOM were introduced and an early lunch followed. About 40 members were present and they spent a couple of beautiful hours in our embassy, which can be seen in the photos below.

Head of the Border Police Directorate of the Republic of Serbia Police Major Miljan Stanojevic and the commanders of the most frequently used Serbian border gates visited their counterparts in the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Turkey. The possibilities for extending already successful cooperation of two Ministries on illegal migration and cross-border crime prevention and easier traffic of passengers and goods were discussed at the meeting.

Having in mind the importance of this kind of cooperation in whole expanding bilateral relations, Ambassador H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic attended all the meetings in Ankara together with the delegation of Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia.

A group of children from the Vladislav Ribnirak Elementary School from Belgrade paid a three-day visit to Ankara, where a stimulation of the work of the United Nations was organized. Hosts from Ankara's Tevfik Fikret Elementary School welcomed our teachers and students by accommodating children in families, demonstrating an immeasurable contribution to the friendship development which shold present a legacy for future generations. Ambassador Markovic organized a reception for representatives of our and the host school at the Embassy in Ankara. It has been agreed that this type of cooperation should really grow into tradition.

Official Serbian delegation headed by Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Ms. Maja Gojkovic attended the ceremony of the completion of the TANAP gas pipeline in Ipsala in Edirne. Minister of Mining and Energy H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Antic was also the part of the delegation and Serbian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic accompanied the delegation all through their stay in Turkey. Besides Presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan, many foreign statesmen attend the event.

Association Bosna Sandzak has marked 30 years of work and existence making a celebration in their new premises. On this occasion H.E. Mr Zoran Markovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia addressed to all present guests, wished luck and prosperity for the further work, and stated a fact that the Republic of Serbia is the only state from the territory of the former Yugoslavia that accept to re-nationalize its Bosniak expatriates, which clearly shows the attitude of Serbia towards them, as also the numbers: 45.000 new expatriates, and 100.000 still in procedure for citizenship, that also demonstrates the relation that Bosniak expatriates have toward Serbia as their motherland.

The Decision on Visa Abolition for the Citizens of Aramenia, holders of national passports, will be put into force on November 2, 2019. Starting from this date citizens of Aramenia, holders of national passports, will be able to enter, transit through or reside in the Republic of Serbia for maximum of 90 days counting from the entrance date, in a period of 180 days.

On the occasion of the National Day celebration of the Republic of Turkey, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received the heads of all foreign missions in Ankara, including Ambassador Zoran Markovic. On this occasion, Ambassador Markovic congratulated the Republic of Turkey and wish further on prosperity and successful cooperation between our two friendly countries.

A delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia visited Ankara on 24 October for an official return visit to the Foreign Policy Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The delegation led by the Chairman of the Committee prof. dr. Zarko Obradovic, attended by the president of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Turkey, prof. dr. Zoran Dragisic and MEPs Nada Lazic, Maja Macuzic Puzic and Djordje Kosanic had substantive discussions with members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey led by this body's chairman, Volkan Bozkir.

They were also received by Turkish Deputy Speaker Sureja Sadi Bilgic, Minister of Justice and Co-Chair of the Mixed Turkish-Serbian Economic Cooperation Commission Abdulhamit Gul and Deputy Foreign Minister Javuz Selim Kiran, with whom a meaningful exchange of views on bilateral relations and other issues was conducted by importance for the future successful co-operation of the two countries and the two parliaments and the expansion of friendship between the two nations.

As the delegation of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly of Serbia is in the official visit to its counterparts in Turkey, Ambassador Zoran Markovic hosted a dinner last night at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara in honor of Volkan Bozkir, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The Serbian delegation headed by Prof. Dr. Zarko Obradovic, President of the Foreign Policy Committee of the National Assembly of Serbia was also present.

Ambassador H.E. Zoran Markovic gave an interview on Serbian-Turskish relations and joint  projects to one of the most popular Turkish daily newspaper in the English language.

The interwiew in whole can be read by clickling here.

Tourist promotion of Belgrade was held on October 1, 2019 in Ankara. The goal of this promotion was new 100.000 guests from Turkey. Beside presentation and meetings with local tourist agencies, at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara a reception attend by 200 invitees was given in that honour. Together with the Turkish partners it was concluded that the region of Ankara and eastern Turkey represents a great potential for tourism in Serbia, especially in Belgrade, having in mind its different contents that attract new potential tourists. On the other hand the region of Cappadoccia on 2-hour trip from Ankara is a very interesting destination for Serbian tourists as a cultural and historical region related to early Christianity. The initiative for starting the direct flight Belgrade-Ankara was publicly announced and it was concluded that its realization would represent an additional impulse for improving the whole bilateral relations and getting the two nations even closer to each other.

After a very exciting match played in Ankara with the host team of Turkey Serbian national Women`s Volleyball team won the gold medal again at the European Championship. It is a special honour to be Serbian Ambassador in Turkey at this moment. Way to go girls! 

Ambassador Markovic and the whole staff of the Embassy in Ankara supported and keep supporting Serbian national women volleyball team that qualified for the quarter finals and that is considered a potential winner of the gold medal. Ambassador Markovic expressed his expectation that our national team will defend its previous gold medal. As sign of support a reception was given for the management of the national team.

Ambassador Markovic attended the traditional modeling show, just as he did the year before. He won the third place in the category diorama modeling on the subject of the allies` encounter in Normandy 1944`. Beside the show, this was an excellent opportunity for socializing and acquiring new acquaintances.

Today, August 11, 2019, First deputy prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic met in Antalya Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu. H.E. Mr. Dacic extended his congratulations on Eid al-Adha to his Turkish colleague adding to mention his pleasure with their meetings in Antalya that had become traditional.

Two ministers exchanged their views on various bilateral and regional issues. They concluded that the relations between two countries are at the highest possible level in the history of their diplomatic relations but that there are also possibilities for improving the relations even further. As for the regional matters, both countries are putting all their efforts for the stability and prosperity of the region.

Minister Dacic invited Minister Cavusoglu to visit Serbia at the time of his convinience hoping that the visit may happen during the foreseen visit of the president Erdogan to Serbia or during the meeting of UN General Assembly in September.

At the end of meeting Minister Cavusoglu presented a jersey of Malatyaspor Football Club which is about to have a match with Serbian Club Partizan on August 15.

First Deputy Premier and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic opened today, August 5, 2019, with the new Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia in Edirne Mr. Salih Akgul, Serbian Consulate in Edirne, former capital of the Ottoman Empire. This is the second honorary consulate that Serbia opens in Turkey in the last year.

In his speech on the ceremony of the opening Minister H.E. Mr. Dacic repeated once more the importance of the good relations between Serbia and Turkey, pointing out that the opening of this Consulate contributed the two countries` and two peoples` aspirations for rising the relations to a higher level. Minister H.E. Mr. Dacic expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the trade exchange exceeded 1 billion dollars and expressed his expectations that the commercial cooperation will continue to grow. Minister H.E. Mr. Dacic, having in mind the approaching visit of President Erdogan to Serbia, took this opportunity to exchange opinions with high level invitees on bilateral and regional issues. After the opening of the Consulate in Edirne, Minister H.E. Mr. Dacic will have a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu.

A lot of guests from politics, culture and public life, among which a couple of MPs in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, governor and mayor of Edirne, presidents of various Istanbul municipalities, as well as the presidents of diaspora unions, attended the ceremony of the opening.

Consulate in Edirne, beside providing consular help to Serbian citizens, as its basic function, has as a special function establishing new and tighter commercial relations between two country. Mr. Salih Akgul, as a well-known businessman and owner of the company `Salcano`, popular bicycle manufacturer and sponsor of both national cycling teams of Serbia and Turkey, is a person more than appropriate to contribute to flourishing of the two countries` business relations.

Dean of Ankara University Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Ergin Dursun visited today the Embassy and informed Ambassador Zoran Markovic about the income of his recent visit to Belgrade. The dean was pleased that the initial cooperation with Belgrade University Agriculture Faculty had been established and that on the same occasion the Cooperation Agreement had been signed. This Cooperation Agreement is considered an initial act which will allow a wide cooperation in near future, including the exchange of academic personnel and students in various way. Dean Dursun expressed his appreciation to ambassador Markovic for his contribution to initiating this cooperation.

The final match of the Balkan Championship between rugby teams Ankara Phrygians and Radnicki Novi Beograd was played on Saturday June 1, 2019. The sponsor of the event was the British Embassy in Ankara and Serbian Ambassador H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic opened the match.

This sports event once more confirmed the great relations between Serbia and Turkey, especially having in mind the efforts of the Rugby Federation of Serbia which selflessly contributed to the promotion of rugby in Turkey.

Ninoslav Trajkovic from Bečej has embarked on a new humanitarian adventure called "With Yugo to Australia". As it travels through 15 different countries, the second station was Turkey, and visited us at the Embassy in Ankara. During his trip through Turkey, he saw Istanbul, Ankara, Salty Lake and Cappadocia. He was a guest in Ankara for several days waiting for a visa for Iran. In the continuation of his trip, he will travel through Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and at the end of Australia.

We wish Nino and Irina all the best on the upcoming adventure!

The Embassy organized a small gathering with the Alliance of Balkan Cultures (BAKIDER) in order to improve the cooperation and support these young people in their goal. Bakider is a non-governmental organization founded in January 2017 with the aim of strengthening the existing ties between the peoples of the Balkans and Turkey, and shows that ethnic, religious and other differences are not a stumbling rock, but an advantage to be exploited, and the Embassy is there to support young people and new ideas.

Ambassador Zoran Markovic participated on the modelin competition that is traditionally held every year in Ankara. As last year, this year also his model took the golden medal for the big diorama foreigners class.

  ​

The hole event was also broadcast by Turkish state television TRT Haber and the Ambassador gave a short statement.

Agreement between the Government of R. Serbia and Georgia on the mutual abolition of visas for holders of ordinary passports will enter into force on April 1, 2019. From that date, holders of ordinary passports have the right to enter, transit and stay in the territory of the state of the country without a visa, for up to 30 days from the date of entry.

The announcement by Ambassador Mark Markovic of the Anadoly Agency for the massacre that took 49 lives in New Zealand. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/terror-has-no-connection-with-history-of-balkans-envoy/1420356

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Turkey, Zoran Markovic, yesterday, 12.02, on the occasion of the National Day, the Army Day of the Republic Serbia and the 140th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey, organized a reception in Ankara for high officials of the Republic of Turkey, diplomatic and military corps. The reception was attended by a number of distinguished personalities from the public life of Turkey, as well as representatives of our emigrant community.

In a ceremonial atmosphere, after the Serbian and Turkish anthem were invoked, the Ambassador Markovic and the Minister of Sport and Youth of the Republic of Turkey Mehmet Kasapoglu addressed the guests. It is jointly assessed that bilateral relations between the two countries are at the highest level in recent history and are the basis for further deepening of cooperation and strengthening of trade exchange and investments. The speeches expressed mutual respect and understanding built over several centuries of common history, with many similarities that are now connected by two peoples. Bearing in mind the challenges faced by the two countries, the expectation of mutual support is emphasized in all spheres where the interests coincide.

At the invitation of Ambassador Markovic, the stand of the Republic of Serbia was visited by HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Mehmet Ersoy. In a short conversation, the Minister was interested in our expectations in the Turkish market. Ambassador Markovic responded that this market is of great significance to Serbia, that over 100,000 Turkish tourists visited Belgrade last year, but that the goal is to meet Turkey with the potentials of other cities and our winter tourism, for which Minister Ersoy showed special interest, and it Ambassador Marković took the opportunity to inform more closely about the possibilities offered by Kopaonik as the center of our winter tourism.

Ambassador Markovic visited the stand of the Republic of Serbia at the tourism fair in Istanbul, where the presented tourist potentials and the offer of our country are directed to tourists in Turkey. This year, besides the potential of our capital, AP Vojvodina, the cities of Novi Sad and Novi Pazar, presented their potentials. The stand of Serbia now traditionally has one of the central places at the Istanbul Tourism Fair.

Based on Art. 76 of the Law on Culture (published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 72/09, 13/16 and 30/16), we inform that the Ministry of Culture and Information is conducting competitions in various fields of culture and art in order to provide support to actors and cultural projects in the country and abroad. The competition for co-financing projects in the field of translating representative works of Serbian literature into foreign languages will be open in the period from January 10 to March 1, 2019. More detailed information is available on the website www.kultura.gov.rs/konkursi

Based on Art. 76 of the Law on Culture (published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia No. 72/09, 13/16 and 30/16), we inform that the Ministry of Culture and Information is conducting competitions in various fields of culture and art in order to provide support to actors and cultural projects in the country and abroad. The first contest in 2019 to support the promotion of creativity and presentation of cultural creativity of members of the Serbian people abroad is opened from January 10 until March 1, 2019. More detailed information is available on the website www.kultura.gov.rs/konkursi

Ambassador Zoran Marković visited H.E. Ziya Selcuk, Minister of Education of the Republic of Turkey and once again confirmed the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries and discussed the possibilities of deepening cooperation in the field of education. To that end, a meeting of representatives of the two ministries was agreed to discuss possible ways of further action, which should result in a meeting at the ministerial level. Among other topics were the exchange of students and the opening of the department of the Serbian language at the University of Ankara. It is jointly estimated that cooperation in the field of education represents an investment in the future of the relations of the two people and a better mutual understanding.

MEETING OF MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, FORESTY AND WATER MANAGMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA BRANISLAV NEDIMOVIC WITH MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY BEKIROM PAKDEMIRLIJEM, ANKARA 05.12.2018. At the invitation of HE Bekir Pakdemirli , Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Turkey, HE. Branislav Nedimovic , Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Serbia paid a one-day working visit to Ankara. On this occasion, the two ministers recapitulated the dynamics of the current cooperation in the area under the jurisdiction of their departments, with the conclusion that there is room for further deepening and expansion to the benefit of both sides, and so for the citizens of the two countries. Minister Nedimovic told his Turkish counterpart that the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia ratified an innovative Free Trade Agreement and that it is expected that the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey will do the same in the near future, in order for this important bilateral agreement to enter into force and open new prospects for trade exchange. It was noted that the mutual exchange of goods exceeds one billion dollars and that the stock of livestock products is very important in that. The discussion between the two ministers, within the delegation of the Republic of Serbia, was also attended by HE. Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Turkey Zoran Markovic.

Last night, at the Deniz Museum in Istanbul, in the presence of a large number of officials, the premierly featured film of the famous series "Evelya Celebija Traveling the World", which was filmed this year in Belgrade, broadcast on the National Radio Television of Turkey - TRT. The event was officially opened by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to Turkey, Zoran Markovic, and then Miodrag Popovic, Director of TOB, held a presentation of Belgrade for over 100 present guests from the world of tourism, culture, diplomacy and economy.

The travelogue "Evelya Celebija travel to Belgrade" lasts about half an hour, represents the most important cultural and historical sights of our city, and will be shown on the TRT channel at the beginning of next year. After the screening was finished, guests enjoyed Serbian food, cocktail and music performance by Belgrade saxophonist Aleksandar Sarović, while in the second part of the space of Deniz Museum there was an exhibition of photographs about Belgrade.

Minister of Mines and Energy Aleksandar Antic paid a visit to Istanbul on November 19, representing the Republic of Serbia, at the ceremony of the Completion of offshore setion of turkstream project. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayip Erdogan attended the ceremony.

On the margins of the ceremony, Antic met with Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Fatih Donmez. Zoran Markovic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey also attended the meeting. Minister Fatih Donmez expressed satisfaction with the bilateral meeting with his Serbian counterpart. Minister Antić assessed with Turkish counterpart that friendly relations between President Recep Tayip Erdogan and President Aleksandar Vucic result in the development of economic, energy and political relations between Turkey and Serbia at the highest level.

At the invitation of the Ankara Chamber of Industry, Ambassador Markovic held a presentation on the topic "Investment and economic opportunities in Serbia", organized within the framework of the "Days of Serbia". His presentation was accompanied by the presentation by Ismail Bozdemir, head of the Directorate at the Ministry of Commerce of the Republic of Turkey on the topic "Business Opportunities for Turkish Companies in Serbia" and Enver Ali Kuleohlu, Assistant Director General of Bioanalysis on the topic "Keeping Jobs in Serbia".

The presentation was attended by over 30 representatives of Turkish companies, members of this association, 8 of them in construction and 6 in the field of electronics and IT sectors.

At the invitation of the Turkish President Redzep Tayip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, attended the opening ceremony of the new airport in Istanbul. Grand Istanbul Airport, after the completion of works, will represent the largest airport in the world.

On the margin of this ceremony,President Vucic had a separate meeting with President Erdogan, where once again a friendship between the two countries was confirmed, possibilities for further deepening of bilateral cooperation, as well as opportunities for new investments of Turkey in the Republic of Serbia.

In Ankara, consular consultations were held between the representatives of Serbia MFA Assistant of the Minister for consular affairs, Ambassador Aca Jovanovic, and the Republic of Turkey, MFA Director General for Consular Affairs, Mehmet Samsar.

The consultations examined the current state of consular relations, as well as the possibilities for extending the legal framework of cooperation. As the political relations between the two countries are at the highest level, there are all preconditions for deepening cooperation. Both sides expressed great satisfaction with the work of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara, as well as Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Belgrade. The Ambassador of Republic of Serbia in Ankara, Zoran Markovic, also attended the consultations.

On the basis of reciprocity, the IR IRan Government made a decision to abolish the "Decision on visa-free regime for citizens of the Republic of Serbia, holders of ordinary passports", which enters into force on October 25, and from that date, all citizens of the Republic of Serbia, holders of ordinary passports, are required to apply for visa to enter, transit and stay in the IR Iran territory.

ЗАПИСНИК О ОТВАРАЊУ ПОНУДА  /  RECORD ON OPENING OF BIDS

ОДЛУКА О ДОДЕЛИ УГОВОРА  /  DECISION ON THE CONTRACT AWARD

According to a decision taken on October 8, 2018 at the Government session of the Republic of Serbia, the "Decision on the abolition of visas for entry into the Republic of Serbia for the citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran " is CANCELED. The decision enters into force on October 17, 2018. year and from that date, all citizens of IR of Iran, holders of ordinary passports, are required to apply for visa in order to enter, transit or stay in the territory of the Republic of Serbia.

The President of the National Assembly, Maja Gojkovic, met with the President of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ali Larijani, during the Third Meeting of the Parliaments of the Eurasian countries. Gojković and Larijani stressed that bilateral relations are good and friendly and expressed confidence in the continued fruitful cooperation in the promotion and expansion of relations. They also discussed the possibilities of developing economic cooperation and increasing the commodity exchange, as well as the fight against terrorism, and Gojkovic invited the president of the Islamic Consultative Assembly for a return visit to Serbia.

On the same day, the President of the National Assembly also met with the Kazakh Parliament Speaker Nurlan Nigmatulin, with whom she discussed the improvement of parliamentary cooperation, as an important segment of the improvement of the overall relations of two friendly countries. Gojkovic invited Nigmatulin to visit Serbia in order to further develop cooperation between parliaments, which would additionally lead to the improvement of relations between Serbia and Kazakhstan.

The Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Maja Gojkovic, in her address at the Third Meeting of the Speakers, pointed out that Serbia is strongly committed to continue to work on a comprehensive improvement of friendly relations and cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian region. Gojkovic stressed that Serbia, as a country that is always between East and West, historically understands and recognizes the contribution of initiatives to strengthen cooperation for the prosperity of all nations, and emphasized the importance of the continuity of the work of this forum, initiated at the initiative of the State Duma of the Russian Federation and the Parliament of the Republic of Korea .

The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, as the largest Western Balkan countries, participates in all regional initiatives, develops relations with its neighbors and where it has not been there for long, and strengthens dialogue and cooperation with seemingly geographically distant, but essentially close to countries and nations. Gojković stressed that Serbia is ready, more than ever, to continue consistently and unconditionally in the future in order to respect the fundamental principles of international relations and as a prerequisite for sustainable development.

Delegation of the Republic of Serbia, headed by President of the Serbian Parliament Maja Gojkovic, took part in the 3rd meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of the Eurasian countries in Antalya. On this occasion, a meeting was held with the President of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Vyacheslav Volodin. At the meeting it was emphasized that the relations of the two countries are exceptionally good and that they are based on the closeness between the two nations, traditional friendship, as well as the cultural and historical connections.

Volodin stressed that the Russian Federation and the Republic of Serbia are sincere friends and that the forthcoming Third Session of the parliamentary Russian-Serbian Commission will be a good opportunity to consider important issues of mutual interest. Gojkovic expressed her expectation that the visit of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin to Serbia will soon be realized.

КОНКУРСНА ДОКУМЕНТАЦИЈА   /     BIDDING DOSSIER

ПОЗИВ ЗА ПОДНОШЕЊЕ ПОНУДА   /   INVITATION TO BID

Ambassador Zoran Markovic was in a courtesy visit to Volkan Bozkir, the president of the Commission for Foreign Affairs of the EU of the Republic of Turkey. They discussed the interparliamentary relations between our countries and exchanged views on the recent important developments in our region.

On Sunday, September 9, in Ankara, the 11th international competition in modeling related to military vehicles took place in the renowned Turkish FNSS-equipped turkey industry (11. Armor Modeling Show). At this competition, the Ambassador Zoran Markovic took part with his model, which was also awarded.

The 87th International Fair in Izmir was opened on 7th of September this year. At the opening Parliament Speaker Yildirim, Minister of Trade Pekkan, Minister of Tourism Ersoy, Governor and Mayor of Izmir, as well as representatives of local authorities attended. In front of the Republic of Serbia at the opening there were present Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, turism and telecomunications Ljajic, Minister of Education Sarcevic, TOS representatives, Ambassador Zoran Markovic and Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia to Izmir M. Abdurak.

The main idea of a partner fair is the need for deepening of mutual cooperation, especially in the field of science and technology, in order to prospect both countries. The serbian stand took a striking spot at the fair, and only the presence of folk player from “Kolo” attracted many visitors.

During the fuar another bilateral meeting was held between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, turism and telecomunications Ljajić and Minister of Trade Pekcan. Topics of discussion were related to the implementation of trade agreements between the two countries and the improvement of economic cooperation.

During his stay in Izmir, Minister of Education of the Republic of Serbia, Mladen Šarčević had a series of activities aimed at promoting the education system of the Republic of Serbia, and for that he met with the rectors of the two largest universities in Izmir, "9 September" and "Ege", as well as consulting company EDUNOVA. At these encounters, the possibilities of the educational system for foreign students interested in studying in Serbia were presented. Interest in intensifying cooperation in this area is mutual. Minister Šarčević also informed all participants about the fact that the department for Turkish language is increasingly represented in the educational system of Serbia, as well as our interest in opening a department for Serbian language the faculties in Turkey. One of the leading topics of the Izmir fair was readiness to deeper cooperation in the field of science and education, especially technology.

On the occasion of the celebration of the Victory Day, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received the heads of foriegn missions in Ankara, among others Ambassador Zoran Markovic alaso attend the official ceremony. Ambassador Markovic congratulated  President Erdogan with the wishes for prosperity for Turkey as well as the countinuance of great cooperation between our two friendly countries.

The Consulate of the Republic of Serbia in Antalya headed by Honorary Consul Mr. Fikret Ozturk was officially open on August 19, 2018 in the presence of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Ivica Dacic and H.E. Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu. Numerous invitees from Antalya region, Governor of Antalya, Mayor of Antalya, well known businessmen attended the event. The Consulate is situated in 7 star Regnum Karya Hotel (Kadriye Bölgesi, Üçküm tepesi Mevkii, 07500 Serik/Belek) in the near proximity of the Antalya Airport. The Consulate is open with the purpose of providing consular help and protection to Serbian citizens residing or coming a tourists in Antalya.

At the occasion two ministers had a bilateral meeting where the bilateral cooperation and regional issues were discussed. It was jointly stated that the bilateral relations are on a very high level to which contributed the excellent personal relations between two Presidents and which is confirmed by the frequent exchange of visits. It was repeated that the economic cooperation accordingly is in rise, that the current trade exhange is 1 bilion dolar on the annual level and that the target is actually achieving the level of 3 bilion dolar as soon as possible. The number of tourists coming from one country to another is in constant rise. At this moment about 100.000 Turkish tourists come to Serbia and 140.000 Serbian toursits comes to Turkey. These numbers are also the indicatiors of deepening of relationships, bilateral cooperation rise and mutual understanding.

It is stated that Serbia and Turkey have a high level of congruence of attitudes on various international issued and that both countries should continue their work with joint forces on improving the positions of both countries on international level. Fight against terrorism, opening of cultural centers and investments are just some of the fields on which further cooperation can be widen. It was mutually confirmed that building these kinds of relationships as well as firendship of Serbia and Turkey should be continued as an investment in our future generations. Minister Dacic said once more that Serbia is open for all kind of aspects of cooperation and that Serbia is a reliable and sincere friend of Turkey.

Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Vucic and Minister of Interior Affairs of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Nebojsa Stefanovic attended on August 18, 2018 the 6th Regular Congress of AKP in Ankara and had later on bilateral meeting with the Minister of Interior Affairs of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Suleyman Soylu.

At the same time H.E. Mr. Stefanovic had brief meetings with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu and President of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan to whom he forwarded the greetings of the President Vucic. After the AKP Conress finished, two Minister of Internal Affairs had a bilateral meeting where the current situation and possible directions of the future cooperation of the two ministries.

КОНКУРСНА ДОКУМЕНТАЦИЈА / BIDDING DOSSIER

ПОЗИВ ЗА ПОДНОШЕЊЕ ПОНУДЕ / INVITATION ТO BID

ПОЈАШЊЕЊЕ / CLARIFICATION

ОБАВЕШТЕЊЕ О ЗАКЉУЧЕНОМ УГОВОРУ

BID FORM

REPORT

Одлука о додели Уговора / Decision on Awarding the Contract

Serbian Ambassador Zoran Markovic made a courtesy visit to the Governor of Antalya, Munir Karaoglu and Mayor Menderes Turel. The visit was about the opening of the Honorary Consulate of RS in Antalya, led by Honorary Consul Fikret Ozturk. During these two meetings, there were words about the importance of opening the consulate as a form of deepening the well-established relations of our two countries. The Governor and the Mayor informed that this year more than 30,000 Serbian tourists visited the Antalya region, and Ambassador Markovic informed them that Turkish tourists became the most numerous foreigners in Belgrade, with over 70,000 visits annually. Tourism has made our nations closer, and relations between the Republic of Serbia and Republic of Turkey’s leaders have created the basis for further deepening in all fields.

As part of his courtesy calls, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic visited the Governor of Ankara H.E. Mr. Ercan Topaca. Ambassador Markovic thanked to the governor for a prompt receiving and expressed his hope in continuance of a good cooperation between Serbian Embassy and Governorship in Ankara, as a reflection of the two countries` excellent relations. Governor Topaca stated that the Governorship is ready for all kind of cooperation and that he will with pleasure always find the time for the representatives of a friendly country such is Serbia. In further conversation two officials arranged a series of activities on deepening the cultural cooperation, one of which is the hosting of the Academic Cultural -Artistic Company `Ivo Lola Ribar`. Governor took the Ambassador for a short archeological sighting from the Roma period around the backyard of the Governorship building located in the Ankara`s oldest neighbourhood.

President of Serbia H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Vucic attended the inauguration ceremony of President of Turkey H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara and pointed out that it is very important that Serbia has such a strong regional partner as an ally, and not as an enemy or an opponent. Vucic reminded that this has been his third or fourth meeting with the Turkish President in a very short period of time and that he came this time to the inauguration ceremony in the name of all Serbia in order to honor and pay respects to Turkish state, people and their president. He added that Erdogan made a very warm welcome for Serbian delegation and said that two countries have a lot of plans for the future and a lot of stuff to solve , especially in the domains of economy and politics.

He expressed his expectations on further flourishment of the bilateral cooperation and visit of Turkish president in the next period that is very important for Serbia`s future. Vucic emphasized that he is very proud that Serbia has Turkey as its friend and ally which is the result of our politics.

During the stay in Ankara, Vucic had opportunities for a couple of bilateral meetings, such as the ones with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, Macedonian president Djordje Ivanov, Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Bakir Izetbegovic Bosnian Presidency Member.

UNTIL AUGUST 1, 2018, THE CONSULAR SECTION OF THE EMBASSY WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE CITIZENS ON THE CONSULAR MATTERS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE BASIS OF PREVIOUSLY TAKEN APPOINTEMENTS. APPOINTMENTS MUST BE TAKEN VIA TEL.NO. 0312 426 02 36; 426 24 32 OR VIA EMAIL embserank@gmail.com. FOR ANY OTHER QUESTIONS OR INFORMATIONS CITIZENS CAN APPLY THROUGH THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OR EMAIL MENTIONED ABOVE.

Based on Art. 15 of the Law on Ministries (published in the Official Gazette of RS, No. 72/12 and 76/12) we inform that the Ministry of Culture and Information conducts competitions in various fields of culture and art, in order to provide support to artists and cultural projects in the country and abroad. The first contest in 2018 to support the mobility of artists and professionals was opened on January 25 (ended April 30). During September, in the Sector for International Relations and EU Integration in the field of culture, another competition will be opened. More detailed information is available on the website www.kultura.gov.rs/konkursi

Ambassador Markovic met with Mayor of Ankara Mustafa Tuna today, discussing the possibility of deepening the cooperation including the one with the city of Ankara. Ambassador Markovic introduced the mayor with the initiative to build a Turkish-Serbian friendship park in Ankara, where a famous battle for Ankara took place in 1402 when Sultan Beyazit and despot Stefan Lazarevic fought together on the same side. It was pointed out that the significance of this gesture would be symbolic and that it would represent the bright future of mutual Turkish and Serbian relations. In the further conversation, the possibilities of increasing the volume of mutual tourist visits were mentioned. Only a small number of citizens of Serbia visited Ankara and Cappadocia as world-known tourist destinations, and for the purpose of increasing the mutual tourism exchange, the consideration of the possibilities for the establishment a direct air line between Belgrade and Ankara would be highly recommendable. Mayor Mustafa Tuna showed interest in the twinning of Belgrade and Ankara as the capital of two friendly countries. He promised that he would soon come up with a proposal for a specific location for the Friendship Park.

June 24,2018

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic telephoned to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and congratulated him on the victory accomplished on the presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey. In their conversation, President Vucic underlined the significance of the friendship with Turkey and stated his certainty of this election victory being a new victory on the road of prosperity and well-being of Turkey. Serbian President extended his most sincere congratulations to his Turkish colleague and wished him a lot of success during his responsible duty.

President of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Vucic attended ceremony of the formal opening of the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) in the Turkish city of Eskisehir. Upon the invitation of the Turkish President H.E. Mr.Recep Tayyip Erdogan,next to which he stood on the scene, President Vucic together with presidents of Ukraine and Azerbaijan opened the TANAP by symbolic turning on a vent of the pipeline. During the ceremony President Vucic held a speech in which he pointed out that this project will prevent the energy isolation of the region of the South Eastern Europe, will contribute to the energy connectivity of this part of Europe, as well as to positively affect the investment climate and to encourage the arrival of new investors to the countries of the region. While opening program, President Vucic had separate bilateral meetings with the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey. The improvement of all kinds of the cooperation aspect, especially, the economic one, was the main subject of the meetings.

On the contrary of the Brussels Agreement, temporary local government in Prishtina do not allow the entrance to the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohya to the citizens of the Republic of Serbia holders of the passports of the Republic of Serbia issued by Autonomous Province Kosovo and Metohya Coordination Directorate of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia. When entering the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohya, citizens of the Republic of Serbia are advised to use their ID cards issued by the concern authorities of the Republic of Serbia.

During an official visit to Istanbul, the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Turkey Zoran Markovic visited the associations of our emigrants in Pendik and Bajrampasa. These associations bring together the largest number of emigrants and their descendants from the territory of the former Yugoslavia, primarily Bosnias from the Raska region in the Republic of Serbia, as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Ambassador Zoran Marković, on this occasion, presented several packages of textbooks for learning Bosnian for younger students (elementary), which is part of a wider project realized with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Serbia and several sponsors, members of our emigrants in the Republic of Turkey. The aim is to bring our language, tradition and culture closer to the youngest generations of the emigrants. Ambassador Zoran Markovic emphasized in his interview with the management and members of the association that knowledge of language, tradition and culture is important for maintaining relations with the mother-counrty. The goal should not only be to obtain a travel document from the Republic of Serbia, while young generations do not know the basic information and facts about the country from which their parents and ancestors come. In this context, modalities of further cooperation in the field of education and education were considered. The next steps are the organization of language courses in Istanbul, as well as in Ayvalik, a famous Turkish resort where traditionally most of our emigration rest during the summer holidays. In this way, the youngest would learn our language and acquire basic knowledge about the Republic of Serbia through play and entertainment. Our emigrants also expressed interest in establishing institutional cooperation between schools in the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey, as well as for student exchange programs, and attending summer sports camps (basketball, tennis, etc.) in the Republic of Serbia. Ambassador Zoran Marković, at the invitation of the President of the Association "Bosnia - Sandžak" from Pendik, on June 2, o.g. will attend the large Ramsan Iftar in this Istanbul municipality, which is expected participation of large number of prominent figures from the political and public life of Istanbul and the Republic of Turkey. In addition, meetings were also used for discussions on other consular issues of interest to the population of our emigrants in the Republic of Turkey, primarily topics related to the acquisition of citizenship and travel documents of the Republic of Serbia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu received today ambassador Zoran Markovic. During the meeting both of them expressed their satisfaction with the current relations of two countries that have been at the highest level in the contemporary political history. Minister Cavusoglu stated that the autumn visit of the president Erdogan to Serbian and recent visit of the President Vucic were of a historical importance. Opening of the Honorary Consulate of Serbia in Antalya, `Morava` airport in Kraljevo and opening of a friendship park in Ankara were also discussed on the meeting. Regional issues, such as the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, were also mentioned. Ambassador Markovic underlined that Turkey plays a very constructive role in the stability of the region, especially from the aspect of the relationships between Serbs and Bosniaks. It is agreed on the extension of good contacts and cooperation.

Delegation of Serbian Ombudsman headed by Mr. Zoran Pasalic Protector of Citizens of Serbia made an official visit to Ankara. In the presence of Serbian Ambassador to Turkey H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic, two ombudsmen, Mr. Zoran Pasalic on Serbian side and Mr. Seref on Turkish side, signed the Memorandum on cooperation between Ombudsman Office of the Republic of Serbia and Ombudsman Institution of the Republic of Turkey. This Memorandum will be a solid base for improving further cooperation. Serbian delegation was receiven by the President of Grand National Assembly of Turkey H.E. Mr. Ismail Kahraman who stated his pleasure about the successful cooperation of two institutions of the two countries. Serbian Ombudsman delegation visited also The Human Rights and Equality Institution of Turkey.

At the beginning of his two-day official visit to Turkey, President of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Vucic came to Istanbul where he was welcomed at the airport by President of the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan with the military parade. Later on, two presidents participated at Turkish-Serbian Business Forum attended by Serbian and Turkish businessmen. In his speech to the businessmen, president Vucic underlined that the relations of the two country are better than ever, but more effort must be shown in the areo of economic relations. He thanked to president Erdogan and Turkish investors for having invested in small cities and the ones affected by the recent floods where the investors from other countries did not want to invest. He stated that the future potential for cooperation is very vast, especially in industries of textile, food and agriculture. He made an appeal to Turkish investors to continue investing into Serbia and reminded that the trade exchange has grown over 9 times in last 10 months. President Vucic expressed his gratitude to president Erdogan for the ceremonial welcome at the airport adding that Turkey should know that it can always count on Serbia, as well as that Serbia knows that it can count on Turkey. In his speech at Forum, president Erdogan said that Serbia is a friendly state to Turkey and it is a key country for the peace and stability of the Balkans. He said that both sides have a strong will for improving the existing good cooperation even more and that he also hoped that the trade exchange that passed 1 billion dollars, will rise soon to 2 billion dollars because there are so many big opportunities for all kind of investors for investing in the Balkans.

The next day, president Vucic met in Ankara Charimen of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey H.E. Mr. Ismail Kahraman with whom he discussed the bilateral relations. Two statemen concluded that the preservation of the stability in the region of South Easter Europe and enforcing the regional cooperation, in which the part of Serbia and Turkey is very important, in the interest of the both countries, as well as the region itself. Before this meeting president Vucic visited the mausoloeum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and later on met with the Turkish president Erdogan.

President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan organized a special ceremonial welcome for the president of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic i front of the Presidential complex in Ankara. After the meeting of two presidents, they held a press-conference where the Serbian president thanked for the magnificent welcome ceremony and president Erdogan`s strong will for rising of the economic cooperation at the highest level possible. Two presidents opened the first session of the High Council for Cooperation of Turkey and Serbia. During this session, agreements on transport, IT, energy, agriculture, ecology and police cooperation were signed. It is stressed that these agreements as welle as the couple of road infrastructural project, one of them Belgrade-Sarajevo high way, will be the elements for improval the cooperation in the next period. President Vucic stated that he values a lot the appeal of president Erdogan at the Forum and in Ankara to the investors to come and invest to Serbia since it is a positive signal for the investors and at the same time a gesture of the friendship towards Serbia. President Erdogan underlined thet the experience exchange and development of the infrastructural project contributing to regional development, peace and prosperity, will be continued.

On April 27th, Ambassador Zoran Markovic participated on the Fifth International Economic summit of businessmen from Turkey, originating from the Balkans in Bursa, on the invitation of the President of the association RUMELISIAD. He was speaking at the rally between the vice-presidents and the Turkish minister of Turks Turk Hakan Çavuşoğlu. Ambassador Zoran Markovic also addressed the rally, immediately behind the president of RUMELISIAD Erol KILIKÇIER. Referring to the inaugural visit of the President of the Republic of Serbia, A. Vucic, and its great importance, he said that the economy is the basis of a successful family, society and the state as a whole, as well as the relations between the states, and so between our two countries of Serbia and Turkey. Economic cooperation plays a key role in the very good political relations between Belgrade and Ankara. In this context, he specifically emphasized the importance of the circular highway Belgrade – Sarajevo, for the development of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well for the inter-ethnic relations between Serbs and Bosnians.

According to the amendments of the Law on Citizenship, article 3, it is stated that any citizen of Social Federative Republic of Yugoslavia or citizen of another republic of SFRY respectively any citizen of another country created on the territory of SFRY that on the day of December 31, 2016 and on the day of the application has a registered resident adress in the Republic of Serbia, may apply for the citizenship of the Republic of Serbia. The citizenship applications must be done in the period of one year since the day of the entry into force of the above mentioned law that is before April 3, 2019.

Bilateral political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey, were held on April 17, 2018 in Ankara. Serbian delegation was headed by the State Secretary Nemanja Stevanovic and Turkish one was headed by Undersecretary Ambassador Slobodan Vukčević and Serbian Ambassador to Turkey, Zoran Marković.

During the meeting all important bilateral issues in the two countries relations were discussed and it was concluded that the relations are in generally at a very good level. It was particularly emphasiyed that there is a lot of space for further relations development in the sphere of economy, trade and investments.Both parties stressed also the importance of fortcoming official visit to the Republic of Turkey of the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić. The current issues in the Western Balkans and the Middle East were mentioned as well. Regular dynamics of holding the political consultations was determined, too.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic made a courtesy call to the Gouvernor of Istanbul Mr. Vasip Sahin.

Ambassador H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic made a courtesy call to the Mayor of the Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul Mr. Mevlut Uysal. During the visit initiated projects were discussed and it was especially stressed the significance of the project of the twinning of Belgrade and Istanbul that will be a new line in the expanding of bilateral relations of Serbia and Turkey.

Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in the Republic of Turkey H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic made a courtesy call to His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch. His All Holiness Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and the Ambassador had a cordial meeting. Ambassador informed His All Holiness about the current situation at Kosovo and Metohija and they exchanged their views on the problem of unrecognized so called MPC – Macedonian Orthodox Church.

H.E. Mr. Zoran Markovic presented to H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan the credential letters. During the presentation of the letters, Ambassador was accompanied by his family members, spouse Mrs. Tatjana Markovic and son Mr. Andrej Markovic, as well as by the Embassy members, Counsellor Mr. Slobodan Radeka and Vice Consul/Third Secretary Mr. Stefan Stamenic. After the formal ceremony, Ambassador had a comprehensive conversation with the Turkish President.

          Министарство спољних послова, Управа за сарадњу са дијаспором и Србима у региону, расписује једном годишње Конкурс за суфинансирање пројеката који својим квалитетом доприносе очувању и јачању веза матичне државе и дијаспоре, као и матичне државе и Срба у региону, а који ће ове године трајати у времену од 12. до 30. марта 2018. године. 

           С тим у вези, овим путем вас обавештавамо да су објављени Кокурси за суфинансирање пројеката који својим квалитетом доприносе очувању и јачању веза матичне државе и Срба у региону, Министарства спољних послова  - Управе за сарадњу са дијаспором и Србима у региону. Информације, услови и начин реализације Конкурса, могу се наћи на следећим линковима, и то:

                http://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/konkurs-za-sufinansiranje-projekata-organizacija-iz-dijaspore/

                http://www.dijaspora.gov.rs/konkurs-za-sufinansiranje-projekata-organizacije-iz-regiona/

President of Parliament of Jagodina, president of the United Serbia Party and a long term member of Parliament Mr. Dragan Markovic-Palma visited Ankara on March 13, 2018 upon the invitation of Mr. Huseyin Sahin Turkish MP representing AKP from Bursa. The day before in Istanbul Mr. Markovic had a several meetings with some significant Turkish businessmen.

In Ankara he met Deputy Chairman of AKP in charged of foreign affairs Mr. Mehdi Eker, President of the Parlamentary Friendship Group between Turkey and Serbia Prof. Dr. Mustafa Isen, as well as Mr. M. Kasim Gulpinar President of the Parliamentary Committee for EU Affairs. At the end of the visit Mr. palma was received by Deputy Prime Minister Hakan Cavusoglu and Chairman of Turkish Parliament Ismail Kahraman.

Through all the meetings both sides emphasized their pleasure over the fact that the two countries`s relations reached very high level of cooperation. Mr. Markovic appealed to Turkish investors to come and invest in Serbia and help the economic exchange to exceed current 900 million euro. Deputy prime Minister Cavusoglu as well as the Chairman of Parliament Kahraman stressed the importance of Serbia as the key country of the Balkans and the readiness of Turkey to improved their relations with Serbia in all aspects. Prof Dr. Mustafa Isen added that if Turkey wants to have good relations with the Balkans, it must have firstly good relations with Serbia.

Starting from March 8, 2018, the citizens of Georgia, bearers of regular passports, can enter or transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia with no prior visa needed. The maximum stay is 30 days (counting from the entry date) in 1 year period.
No-visa policy is valid only for tourism/visit purposes. You need to apply for visa in the following cases:
-   if you intend to become a resident for education/job/other purposes
-   if you plan to stay more than 30 days
-   if you already have 30 days per 1 year duration of stay in Serbia
In the above mentioned cases you need to apply to a nearest Serbian Embassy/Consulate for visa application.

Starting from October 14, 2017, the citizens of the Republic of Indonesia, bearers of regular passports, can enter or transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia with no prior visa needed. The maximum stay is 30 days (counting from the entry date) in 1 year period.
No-visa policy is valid only for tourism/visit purposes. You need to apply for visa in the following cases:
- if you intend to become a resident for education/job/other purposes
-    if you plan to stay more than 30 days
-     if you already have 30 days per 1 year duration of stay in Serbia

Starting from September 02, 2017, the citizens of the Republic of Indonesia, bearers of official and diplomatic passports, can enter or transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia with no prior visa needed. The maximum stay is 30 days counting from the entry date.

Starting from September 08, 2017, the citizens of the Kingdom of Thailand, bearers of official and diplomatic passports, can enter or transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia with no prior visa needed. The maximum stay is 90 days counting from the entry date.

Starting from September 02, 2017, the citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, bearers of regular passports, can enter or transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia with no prior visa needed. The maximum stay is 30 days (counting from the entery date) in 1 year period.

No-visa policy is valid only for tourism/visit purposes. You need to apply for visa in the following cases:
- if you intend to become a resident for education/job/other purposes
- if you plan to stay more than 30 days
- if you already have 30 days per 1 year duration of stay in Serbia

Starting from September 02, 2017, the citizens of the Republic of India, bearers of regular passports, can enter or transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia with no prior visa needed. The maximum stay is 30 days (counting from the entery date) in 1 year period.

No-visa policy is valid only for tourism/visit purposes. You need to apply for visa in the following cases:
- if you intend to become a resident for education/job/other purposes
- if you plan to stay more than 30 days
- if you already have 30 days per 1 year duration of stay in Serbia

Starting from July 13, 2017, the citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic, bearers of official and diplomatic passports, can enter or transit through the territory of the Republic of Serbia with no prior visa needed. The maximum stay is 90 days counting from the entry date.

Starting from June 12, 2017, RTS Satelit TV program and Radio Beograd 1 radio program are not broadcast via satellite Eutelsat 16E. These programs are transmitted via satellite Astra 3B, orbital position 23,5 E and Astra 4A, orbital position 4,8E. Starting from July 15, 2017, the programs will be broadcast exclusively via satellite Astra 4A.

settings

ФAЗA I / PHASE I

1. Позив за подношење понуде / An Invitation to Bid (05-06-2017)
2. Конкурсна документација / Tender Documents (05-06-2017)
3. Додатне информације и појашњења / Additional Information and Clarification (12-06-2017)
4. Конкурсна документација - измењена верзија / Tender Documents - amended version (12-06-2017)
5. Додатне информације и појашњења / Additional Information and Clarification (14-06-2017)

ФAЗA II / PHASE II

1. Позив за подношење понуде / An Invitation to Bid (05-06-2017)
2. Конкурсна документација / Tender Documents (05-06-2017)
3. Додатне информације и појашњења / Additional Information and Clarification (12-06-2017)
4. Конкурсна документација - измењена верзија / Tender Documents - amended version (12-06-2017)
5. Додатне информације и појашњења / Additional Information and Clarification (14-06-2017)

A a part of the Adana International Theatre Festival organised by the State Theatre in that city, National Theatre in Belgrade performed in southern-east Turkish city of Adana the play `Antigone` twice, on April 29 and 30. The play was highly visited and enjoyed by Turkish audience.

Ambassador D. Vucetic and Counsellor S. Radeka attended the play on Aprile 29. The actors from the National Theatre in Belgrade expressed their gratitude to the Embassy for all the support it gave to their arrival to Turkey and visit to Adana. The Embassy was involved into so called cultural diplomacy and the promotion of Turkish-Serbian cultural relations. The Embassy will continue to support in any ways possible the cultural relations of our two country.

On Wednesday, May 3, H.E. Mr. Danilo Vučić, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Turkey, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Ismail Kahraman, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of the Republic of Turkey. Various topics concerning bilateral relations were discussed, while accentuating the significance of strengthening cooperation between the two parliaments. 

The consultations were held on March 31. The delegations were headed by Mr. Branimir Filipovic, Ambassador, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, and Mr. Ahmet Muhtar Gün, Ambassador, Deputy Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey.

The Belgrade City Administration, Secretariat for Culture, has announced a “Public intemational two-phase open competition for the design of a conceptual solution for the Zoran Đinđić memorial at the Students square in Belgrade”...

The Address of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia from January 1, 2017 is Yazanlar Sok. No 1, Kavaklidere, Ankara, Turkey.

 
Sırbistan C. ve ÇİN H.C. arasında umumi pasaport hamililere karşılıklı vize muafiyeti sözleşmesinin uygulaması 15 Ocak 2017 tarihinde başlamaktadır. Sözkonusu tarihinden itibaren, iki ülkenin umumi pasaport hamili vatandaşları ülkeye giriş tarihinden itibaren öbür ülkede vizesiz olarak 30 gün geçmemesi kaydıyla giriş, transit ve ikamet edebilecekler.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic Serbia and the Government of the People's Republic of China on the mutual abolition of visa requirements for holders of ordinary passports will enter into force on 15 January 2017. Since that date, the citizens of both countries, holders of ordinary passports are eligible for entry, transit and residence in the territory of other Party without visas, for up to 30 days from the date to entry.

http://www.mfa.gov.rs/en/themes/invitation-to-tender-for-the-provision-of-real-estate-sales-services-the-sale-of-diplomatic-real-estate

The Agreement between the Government of Serbia and the Government of Lebanon on the abolition of visas for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports, signed in Beirut on 22 July 2015, will enter into force on 28 May 2016. Since that date, the citizens of both countries, holders of the mentioned types of passports, have the right to enter, transit and stay on the territory of the other party without a visa for up to 90 days.

During the "Week of Francophonie" in Turkey,  the Serbian  film "We'll be champions of the world" directed by Darko Bajic, will be shown in cinema Cer Modern, March 20, 2016 at 18.00 hours.

The Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of Georgia on the abolition of visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders, will enter into force on February 13, 2016.

Starting from this date diplomatic and official passport holders of both countries will be able to enter, transit and reside on the territory of the latter country for 90 days in the period of 180 days counting from the first entry.
 

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia informs that the documentary film "The Truth-No Kosovo Unesco"  which talks about the mass destruction of the Serbian Churces and Monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija since 1999 can be found at the web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia. The link is as follows:

http://www.mfa.gov.rs/sr/index.php/2013-05-16-10-43-58/the-truth-no-kosovo-unesco?lang=cyr

Afrer wathcing the documentary, it is obvious why the Republic of Serbia is against the admission of "Kosovo" to UNESCO.

Why Kosovo is ineligible for membership in UNESCO?

• Because the request for its membership is a serious breach of the international law, the Constitution of UNESCO, the legally binding UN Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) andt he Charter of the UN whose Article 25 says that „The Members of the UN agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter“.
• Because according tothe UN Security Council resolution 1244,which reaffirms the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (now Serbia), Kosovo and Metohija is an integral part of the Republic of Serbia, under the administration of the UN. Since Kosovo cannot be considered a State, it does not fulfill the basic requirement for membership set out by the UNESCO Constitution.
• Because unilateral attempts such as this one seriously harm and disrupt the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, under the auspices of the European Union in which mutually acceptable solutions for many complex issues have been devised so far.The issue of the Serbian cultural heritage and the property of the Serbia Orthodox Church has not yet been discussed within the dialogue where it belongs.
• Because this is an unacceptable politicization of UNESCO which should not overtake the competences of the UN Security Council as the highest authority for the preservation of the international peace and security. UNESCO should not serve as an instrument for the affirmation of an illegal and unilaterally declared independence of a part of the territory of one UN member state. The primary goal of UNESCO is to promote universal values of humanity through education, science and culture not to make political decisions with regard to the statehood.
• Because this would be a dangerous precedent, harmful for many states. This would open the door for other entities to follow the same path thus threatening territorial integrity and sovereignty of other member states.
• Because this issue is polarizing the membership of UNESCO.
• Because, besides not being a state, Pristina does not have moral credibility for membership. Anyone aspiring to UNESCO membership must prove not only in words but as well in deeds its commitment to the goals of the UNESCO Constitution, which certainly is incompatible with deliberate, systematic, vandal demolition of Serbian cultural and historic monuments with the aim to remove the traces of centuries-long existence of Serbs in this area as well as the impunity of the perpetrators of such barbaric acts unworthy of the 21st century. These acts are comparable only to the acts of destruction of cultural heritage by terrorist groups in the Middle East and elsewhere that the world is witnessing and UNESCO is strongly condemning.
• Because four Serbian orthodox monasteries are inscribed on the UNESCO List of World Heritage in danger although the armed conflict in Kosovo is over for many years now. In danger from whom?
• Because the inclusion of this item in the provisional agenda of the 197th session of the UNESCO Executive board raises serious concerns about the compliance with procedure and the respect of the established UNESCO rules. Just to mention that that even publishing of the document on the unacceptability of Kosovo’s application for UNESCO membership from the standpoint of the international law, prepared by Serbian Delegation to UNESCO ,as an official document, as we requested, was refused. And the only intention was the voice of Serbia also to be heard.
• Because we all would have to live with the negative consequences of such an irresponsible decision from the lesioning of the international law up to the fate of the Serbian cultural heritage in the province of Kosovo and Metohijawhich not only belongs to the Serbian people but also represents a part of the historical and civilizational heritage of modern Europe and the world.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara express its most sincere condolences to the Republic of Turkey and its people for the loss of the great number of human lives in today's explosions in Ankara in which lot of people lost lives and were wounded. 

The Government of the Republic of Serbia opened a multi-currency special-purpose account with the National Bank of Serbia, Ministry of Finance-Treasury, for the collection of donor and humanitarian assistance to migrants in Serbia:
01-504642-100193230-000000-0000
IBAN Cod: RS35908504642019323074
For details of the payments instruction interested donors can contact this Embassy.

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey hereby informs that the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of Moldova on the abolition of visa requirements for citizens of the two countries, will enter into force on August 6, 2015. Citizens of the two countries, holders of valid biometric passports are exempted from visa for entry, exit and transit through the territory, as well as to stay in the territory of the other side, in the period up to 90 days within a period of 6 months from the date of first to entry .

The delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, headed by H. E. Mrs. Roksanda Ninčić, Ambassador, the State Secretary of the Ministry, and delegation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, headed by H. E. Mr. Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Ambassador, Undersecretary of the Ministry, held bilateral political consultations in Ankara, June 29, 2015.

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has decided that citizens of Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain can travel to Serbia without obtaining a visa. The decision shall enter into force on 30 June 2015 and applies to all types of travel documents, except for emergency travel documents- laissez passer and travel documents issued in accordance with international treaties, and if there are no obstacles from Article 11 of the Law on Foreigners of the Republic of Serbia.
Citizens of the aforementioned countries may reside in Serbia in duration of 90 days over a period of 6 months starting from the date of first entry.

The Embassy informs that instead of subaccount that was used so far, now the financial contribution for the victims of last year flood in Serbia can be paid to main account of the Embassy in “Deniz Bank”. Coordinates are as follows:

Beneficiary’s bank: DENİZBANK КАZIM KARABEKIR ŞUBESİ
Beneficiary’s name: SIRBİSTAN BÜYÜKELÇİLİĞİ ANKARA
Beneficiary’s account number: 3950-7560881-351
Beneficiary’s IBAN number: TR69 0013 4000 0075 6088 1000 01
Currency code: TRY

It is also possible, as so far, to give financial assistance  through „Pay Pal“ system, with the instructions described on the web site of our Embassy or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic Serbia.
 

Counsellor of the Embassy, Mr. Slobodan Radeka, gave a lecture to the children in two Ankara elementary schools, „Nusretin Fisek“ and „Tugay Ozliyen“. He talked about historical, cultural and other characteristics of Serbia. Children asked different questions. Various games that are played by children in Serbia were shown to the Turskih children. 

April 13-14, 2015

Speaker of the National Assembly Maja Gojkovic paid an official visit to Turkey, during which she met with the President of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Cemil Cicek, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. During the meetings in Ankara all aspects of bilateral relations were discussed and it was emphasized that Serbia and Turkey have a clear interest in improving relations in various fields, especially in economy, trade and in the field of infrastructure.

13th November, 2014

Promotion of the New Turkish-Serbian Dictionary, written by Serbian author Ms Marija Djindjic and published by Turkish Linguistic Association, was held tonight in the Residence of the Serbian Ambassador, in the presence of the author.

8th November, 2014

At the „Farabi“ Salone of the Ankara University, the Faculty of Humanities, in the co-organization of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia and „TIKA“ Agency, within the frames of the 5 th „Sefika Kutluer“ International Music Festival, the Belgrade Chamber Orchsetra „Pro Classica“ gave a concert. The Performance was very successful.
 

5th November 2014

At the session held on October 30, 2014, the Government of the Republic of Serbia has adopted the Decision on visa free regime for the holders of foreign travel documents who have valid Schengen visa, UK visa, visa of other EU member state or USA visa. This Decision also applies to the holders of foreign travel documents who have valid residence permits in the countries of Schengen Area, EU member states or USA.

Above listed holders of foreign travel documents can enter, transit or stay in the Republic of Serbia for maximum period of 90 days, within the period of 6 months, while the length of stay should not be longer than the period of validity of the said visa or residence permit.

This Decision will not apply to the holders of emergency travel documents (Laissez – Passer) or travel documents issued on the basis of international conventions.

The Decision shall enter into force on November 8, 2014. 

21st October 2014

Ambassador Danilo Vučetić participated at the Symposium ''Centennial World War One – The Legacies of the Great War and its Impacts on International Relation'', that was held at Çağ University of Adana.

16th October, 2014

The delegation of the Rectorate of the University of Belgrade, headed by rector, Prof. Dr. Mr. Vladimir Bumbaširević, has visited the Ankara University. Rector of the University of Belgrade Mr. Bumbaširević and rector of the the Ankara University Mr. Ibis have signed the Protocol on Academic Cooperation, as the first step in the cooperation between two esteemed institutions.

9-10th October, 2014

Visiting the Mediterranean province and city of Antalya Ambassador Vučetić had meetings with the Governor of Antalya, Mr Turan Eren, the Mayor of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, Menderes Turel and the President of Antalya Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Cetin Budak. During this visit Ambassador Vučetić also met with Serbian people living in Antalya.
 

4th June, 2013

In today's meeting between Ambassador Vucetic and Minister of National Education of Turkey and co-chairman of the Joint Committee for Economic Co-operation between Serbia and Turkey, Nabi Avci, all aspects of bilateral cooperation were taken into consideration.

May 26, 2014

Ambassador Vucetic met today with the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr. Hihat Zeybekci. The opportunities for the enhancement of economic cooperation were discussed during the meeting.
 

22nd May, 2014

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu signed today the Book of Condolence opened at the Serbian Embassy in Ankara, following the catastrophic floods and loss of human lives.

20th May 2014

The Serbian government declared at its session today three days of mourning over the death and suffering of a large number of citizens in the floods, to be observed on 21, 22 and 23 May 2014.

OF THE EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA IN ANKARA
CONCERNING THE CATASTROPHIC FLOODS IN SERBIA

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara, with deepest regret, informs hereby the esteemed Turkish public about consequences of the catastrophic floods, which took place in our country, the Republic of Serbia, in which people lost lives and enormous material damage was done. Tens of thousands of people have been evacuated and placed in collective accommodation facilities. The accommodation conditions are hard and there is a possibility that different diseases and other medical problems emerge. Crops, houses, roads, schools have been destroyed.
 

May 17, 2014

On behalf of the Serbian Government and Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia we most kindly invite you to send your contributions and support Government's efforts to reduce the consequences of the tragic floods. Your respective material contribution can be delivered to our Embassy. The organisation of the Red Cross of Serbia has informed that at the moment there is an urgent need for the following items: mattresses, bed linens, bunk beds, dippers for children and adults, socks, underwear, clothes for children, torches/flashlights, batteries for torches, toiletries (soaps, toilet papers, paper towels, toothbrushes, toothpastes, etc...), asepsol 5P, ribber boots...

For the donations of medicines and medical equipment please contact the Embassy.

April 12th, 2014

Ambassador Vučetić received today our students who study at the various universities in Ankara.

The Ambassador wished to all of Serbian students a successful stay in Ankara, emphasizing that in the Serbian Embassy they can always find their second home.

MARCH 19-20

Ambassador Danilo Vučetić and Counsellor Slobodan Radeka have visited the city of Bursa, where they have attended the Play „Henry the Sixth“ of the Belgrade National Theater, which took place in the State Theater of Bursa.

March 17, 2014

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey hereby informs that in the Year of 2014, Tenth Anniversary of the March Pogrom, that took place on March 17, 2004, at Kosovo and Metohija, will be marked in the Republic of Serbia.
 

13th February, 2014

On the occasion of the National Day and Armed Forces Day of Serbia, a reception was held in the Residence of the Ambassador of Serbia in Ankara hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr Danilo Vu;etic and Defense Attache Mr Goran Milosevic and their  spouses Mrs. Zorica and Mrs. Mirjana.
 

SEPTEMBER 3, 2013

The new Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey, H. E. Mr. Danilo Vucetic presented today at the Presidential Palace credentials to the President of the Republic of Turkey, H. E. Mr. Abdullah Gul.

June 23-24, 2013

Serbia’ s First Lady H. E. Mrs. Dragica Nikolić has, upon the invitation of the First Lady of Turkey H. E. Mrs. Hayrunnisa Gul, payed a vist to Ankara on June 23-24, 2013.

May 22, 2013

The Faculty of Philology of the Belgrade University, Serbia, has started the Programme of Learning the Serbian Language at a Distance, which represents well designed course,   available to Serbian Diaspora, Students of the Slavonic Studies abroad and to all the people, who are interested in learning  the Serbian Language.
 

TRILATERAL SUMMIT HELD IN ANKARA

May 15, 2013

Serbia will use its best efforts to intensify regional cooperation, so that the region is politically and economically stable, said H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, President of the Republic of Serbia, in Ankara. At the trilateral summit, Serbia, Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded that progress has been made in the political affairs of there states and now there is a need to improve economic cooperation. President Nikolic urged Turkey not to lobby for Kosovo's membership in international organizations.

Ankara, May 14, 2013

H. E. Mr. Rasim Ljajić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia, has signed today, together with Turkish Minister of Economy, H. E. Mr. Zafer Caglayan and Bosnia-Herzegovina Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations H. E. Mr. Mirko Šarović, the Declaration on Economic and Trade Cooperation between three countries. The Declaration includes enhacements of trade and economic relations between three countries, as well as joint access to third and fourth countries.
 

April 26, 2013

Serbian Ambassador to Turkey   H. E. Mr. Dušan Spasojević has payed a  working visit to province and city of Trabzon.

Guvernor Recep Kizilcik and mayor Orhan Gumrukcuoglu have expressed their readyiness for enhacement of the cooperation of the Trabzon city and province with the Republic of Serbia.

April 12, 2013

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and Internal Trade of the Republic of Serbia H. E. Mr. Rasim Ljajić has met today in Ankara with the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Turkey H. E. Mr. Zafer Çağlayan and Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina H. E. Mr. Mirko Šarović, which was the first Trilateral Economic Meeting between three countries.

March 19, 2013

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia to the Republic of Turkey hereby informs that in the Year of 2013, the Ninth Anniversary of the March Pogrom, that took place on March 17, 2004, at Kosovo and Metohija, will be marked in the Republic of Serbia.

March 19, 2013

The Second Session of the Serbia – Turkey Joint Economic Committee took place in Ankara on March 13 and March 14, 2013, and it got together many experts from the concerned Ministries of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey.

March 19, 2013

Having in mind the significance and the impact of the Edict оf Milan on the church, state and social life since the age of the Roman Emperor Constatine the Great, who was born in Niš, the Republic of Serbia, until our time, the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara informs hereby that the Year of 2013 has been declared in the Republic of Serbia as the Year of Edict of Milan Anniversary Celebration.

6th March, 2013

Minister of Justice and Public Administration of the Republic of Serbia, Mr Nikola Selakovic, completed the three-day visit to Turkey, during which he met President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mr Cemil Cicek, Minister of Justice, Mr Ergin Sadullah and representatives of high-level Turkish judiciary system.

27th February, 2013

Ambassador Dusan Spasojevic met today with the Minister of Development of the Republic of Turkey. During the meeting Serbian-Turkish bilateral relations and numerous topics from political and economic development of Turkey were discussed.

15th February, 2013

On the occasion of the National Day and Armed Forces Day of Serbia, a reception was given in the Residence of the Ambassador of Serbia in Ankara hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr Dusan Spasojevic and Defense Attache Mr Goran Milosevic and their  spouses Mrs. Justine Anne and Mrs. Mirjana.

15th February, 2013

On the occasion of the National Day and Armed Forces Day of Serbia, a reception was given in the Residence of the Ambassador of Serbia in Ankara hosted by the Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia H.E. Mr Dusan Spasojevic and Defense Attache Mr Goran Milosevic and their  spouses Mrs. Justine Anne and Mrs. Mirjana.

14th February, 2013

Minister without Portfolio in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Dr Sulejman Ugljanin came to Turkey for a working visit, during which he met Turkish government officials and representatives of economic sector.

22/01/2013

Ambassador Spasojevic visited His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I.

5th February, 2013

During his official visit to the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr Tomislav Nikolic visited yesterday the Embassy and the Residence of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara.

5th February, 2013

On the second day of his official visit to Turkey, President Nikolic attended the Business Forum and on that occasion asked the eminent businessmen of two countries to cooperate in a way that Serbian and Turkish high-leveled government officials do.

5th February, 2013

On the second day of his official visit to Turkey, President Nikolic met His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Istanbul.

4th February 2013

Laying a wreath at the memorial of Turkish Republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and meeting with President Abdullah Gul, President Tomislav Nikolic, today, started his official visit to the Republic of Turkey.

24/01/2013

Ambassador Spasojevic met today the Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Mr Cemil Çiçek.

<img style="border: none;" alt="" src="http://ankara.mfa.rs/odrzavanje/data/upimages/SEKULIC.jpg" />

31st December 2012

The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Ankara with great regret and sorrow informs that the Minister Counselor, Mr. Milorad Sekulić, passed away today in Ankara after a short illness, in his 58th year of life.

Mr. Milorad Sekulić remains in the memory of his collegues as a great diplomat and professional, exceptional colleague and noble person.

Commemoration will be held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, on Thursday, 3rd January 2013, at 11hrs.

14th December, 2012

SAF CHOD LTG Ljubisa Dikovic is ending his two-day visit to Turkey today during which he talked with his Turkish counterpart General Necdet Özel.

29th November 2012

Visiting the Aegean province and city of Izmir today Ambassador Spasojevic had meetings with the Governor of Izmir, Mr Cahit Kirac, Deputy Mayor of Izmir Metropolitan Municipality, Dr Sari Aydogan and the President of Izmir Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ekrem Demirtas.

24th November 2012

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic met yesterday in Istanbul with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

23rd November 2012

During his working visit to the Republic of Turkey Prime Minister Ivica Dačić visited Embassy and Serbian Ambassador’s Residence yesterday.

23rd November 2012

Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic spoke yesterday with President of Turkey Abdullah Gul about all major regional and international issues.

22nd November, 2012

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Republic of Serbia Ivica Dačić, who is paying a working visit to Turkey, met with Turkish President Abdullah Gul in Ankara tonight.

October 17th, 2012

In the organisation of the Faculty of Economy and Administration Sciences and International Entrepreneurship Club of Ankara TOBB University Ambassador Spasojević delivered the lecture on ’’Serbia – Turkey – Political and Economic Cooperation, Potentials and Future Prospects“.

October 4th, 2012

Minister without Portfolio Sulejman Ugljanin has completed his several-day visit to Turkey during which he had meetings with Turkish officials in Ankara and Istanbul.

October 1st, 2012

Minister of Education, Science and Technological Development, H.E. Mr Žarko Obradović, met today with the Minister of Education in the Government of the Republic of Turkey, H.E. Mr Omer Dincer.

September 13th, 2012

Ambassador Spasojevic received today our athletes who play in Ankara' football and handball clubs.

September 11th, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević met today the delegation of Turkish Confederation of Businessman and Industrialists - TUSCON, headed by its President, Mr Rizanur Meral.

July 24th, 2012

His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch receives on July 24, 2012 at the Serbian Patriarchate in Belgrade His Excellency Dusan Spasojevic, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia in Turkey.

July 18th, 2012

Ambassador Dušan Spasojević gave an interview to the "Today's Zaman".

>>>Read the interview of Ambassador Spasojević

June 21st, 2012

Ambassador Spasojevic met today the Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey Mr Ertugrul Gunay.

May 10th, 2012

Delegation of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia yesterday and today paid a working visit to Province and City of Mardin.

May 9th, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević ends his visit to Diyarbakir by talking with its politico-economic leadership.

May 8th, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević, who is heading the delegation of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, visited today the southeastern Province and City of Shanilurfa.

May 7th, 2012

Ambassador Dušan Spasojević has visited today the Province and the city of Gaziantep. This was the first visit of one of the Serbian’s ambassadors to Gaziantep, and this information was the one that all the interlocutors were emphasizing with a great pleasure.

May 4th, 2012

On today’s meeting between Ambassador Spasojević and the undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Turkey, Ahmet Yakıcı, there were considered the questions from the field of bilateral economical cooperation among Serbia and Turkey.

May 3rd, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević visited today the Serbian’s senior woman national volleyball team, which is playing on the qualification tournament in Ankara, and for the participation on the Olympic Games in London.

April 25th, 2012

During today’s visit to province and city of Bursa, Ambassador Spasojević has met the governor and the deputy major Sahabetin Harput and Atila Ödünç, as well as the president of the Commercial and Industrial Chamber of Bursa Ҫelal Sonmez and the prominent members of the board of directors of the Chamber.

<a href="http://ankara.mfa.rs/odrzavanje/data/upimages/bursavalija.jpg " target= "blank"><img style="border: none;" alt="" src="http://ankara.mfa.rs/odrzavanje/data/upimages/bursavalija11.jpg " />

March 28rd, 2012

Ambassador Spasojevic visited today University in Ankara, the oldest high education facility, and had a meeting with the rector, Professor Dr Cemal Talug.

March 28rd, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević met today the Minister of forestry and water management in the Government of the Republic of Turkey Veysel Eroglu.

March 23rd, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević has paid a visit to his Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

March 23rd, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević met today the Governor of the province of Istanbul, Mr Avli Mutlu. In the warm atmosphere conversation, they underlined that Istanbul could be the bridge of cooperation between the two countries.

March 15th, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević met today the leader of the Republican People’s Party Kemal Kılılçdaroğlu.

March 7th, 2012

The Association of Journalist and Writers last night organised the Award Ceremony for woman who achieved significant social contribution in the areas of civil commitment, civil initiatives, peace, education and entrepreneurship.

March 7th, 2012

Attache of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Ms Dragana Blagojević, visited today Altindag Municipality, the central and the oldest municipality of the City of Ankara.

March 6th, 2012

At the seminar series organised by the prestegious Ankara research institute USAK, Ambassador Spasojević delivered a lecture on „Serbia’s Perspective on EU Candidacy and Its Contribution to the Regional Peace“.

March 5th, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević met today Mr Serdar Cam, the Director of the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency, TIKA.

March 5, 2012

Attache of the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia, Ms Dragana Blagojević, visited today Yenimahalle Municipality, one of the biggest municipalities in the City of Ankara.

19th February, 2012

Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence Dr Tanja Miscevic paid a two-day Official Visit to The Republic of Turkey.

February 8th, 2012

Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management Dusan Petrovic and Turkish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Mehmet Mehdi Eker talked today about the possibilities for improving cooperation in the field of agriculture, food industry and trade.

January 24th, 2012

Minister of Labor and Social Policy Mr. Rasim Ljajic visited Republic of Turkey today.

Minister Ljajic met with the Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Faruk Celik.

January 6th, 2012

In today's meeting between Ambassador Spasojevic and Minister of National Education of Turkey and co-chairman of the Joint Committee for Economic Co-operation between Serbia and Turkey, Omer Dincer, all the aspects of bilateral cooperation were taken into consideration.

January 5th, 2012

Ambassador Spasojević met today the Minister of Labour and Social Policy Mr Faruk Celik.

During an open conversation they discussed current issues about the bilateral cooperation, as well as the already agreed concrete initiatives for the current year

December 13th, 2011

Ambassador Spasojević met today the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Turkey Idris Naim Sahin.

December 8th, 2011

Ambassador Spasojevic met today the Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Turkey Mehmet Mehdi Eker.

December 6th, 2011

Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmez met today H.E. Mr Spasojević. In the positive atmosphere they agreed that in the sector of defense there is a high level cooperation , but also a room for further improvement.

December 1st, 2011

Ambassador Spasojevic met today the Chairman of the Group of Friendship between Serbia and Turkey in Grand Turkish National Assembly, prof. PhD Seyit Sertcelik.

November 28th, 2011.

Ambassador Spasojevic met today with Hasim Kilic, the President of the Counstitutional Court of Turkey.

November 25th, 2011

Ambassador Spasojevic met today with the Commander of the Turkish Armed Forces General Necdet Ozel.

November 24th, 2011.

During today`s visit to the Province and City of Kayseri, Ambassador met with the Governor Mevlüt Bilici, the Deputy Mayor Mehmet Savruk, representatives of the commercial and industrial chambers of Kayserı and the Rector of the University ''Abdulah Gul'' Musa Asyalı.

<img style="border: none;" alt="" src="http://ankara.mfa.rs/odrzavanje/data/upimages/kajseri_manja1.jpg" /> 

November 24th, 2011.

During today`s visit to the Province and City of Kayseri, Ambassador met with the Governor Mevlüt Bilici, the Deputy Mayor Mehmet Savruk, representatives of the commercial and industrial chambers of Kayserı and the Rector of the University ''Abdulah Gul'' Musa Asyalı.

November 17th, 2011.

Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed today in Istanbul that the two countries should continue with intensive contacts at the highest political level because that is a signal for deepening economic relations.

November 17th, 2011.

Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic said today at the opening of the Black Sea Energy-Economic Forum in Istanbul that Serbia is open to participate in projects aimed at strengthening the security of energy supply.

October, 28th, 2011.

President of the Foreign Affairs Committee of  the National Assembly of Serbia Dragoljub Micunović Ph.D, finished  his two-day visit to the Republic of Turkey.

Mr Micunović was invited by the  Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Turkish Grand National Assembly,  Mr Volkan Bozkir.

October 26th, 2011.

High delegation of the Serbian Orthodox Church led by His Holiness Irinej, Serbian Patriarch, visited Patriarchate of Constantinople.

October, 18th  2011.

Ambassador Spasojević gave a lecture to the students of Hacattepe University in Ankara today. During the lecture, which was attended by over a 300 students, Ambassador Spasojević informed students and professors about the situation in the region, all aspects of bilateral cooperation between Serbia and Turkey, the process of EU integration and the current issues of international politics.

October, 13th  2011.

During today`s visit to the Province and City of Konya, Ambassador Spasojević met with the Governor Aydin Nezih Dogan, the Mayor Tahir Аkyurek and representatives of the commercial and industrial chambers of Konya.

October, 8th  2011.

During today`s visit to the Province and City of  Mersin, Ambassador met with the Governor Hasan Basri Güzeloğlu, the Mayor Macit Özcan and representatives of the commercial and industrial chambers of Mersin and the Rector of the Mersin University Suha Aydin.