Serbian President Vučić Hails Türkiye as Vital Partner During Ankara Summit
ANKARA – Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić emphasized the critical importance of Belgrade’s relationship with Ankara on Thursday, describing Türkiye as an indispensable ally for Serbia despite the disparity in size and global influence between the two nations.
Speaking during a high-profile diplomatic visit to the Turkish capital, where he was hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Palace, Vučić offered a candid assessment of the geopolitical dynamics shaping the Balkans and the wider region. In a statement that underscored the pragmatic and respectful nature of current bilateral ties, the Serbian leader acknowledged the asymmetry of the partnership while highlighting its strategic value.
“Serbia is a much smaller country than Türkiye, so we know it cannot be one of Türkiye’s most important partners,” Vučić stated, reflecting on the diplomatic hierarchy. “However, Türkiye is a very important partner for Serbia.”
Strengthening the “Golden Age” of Relations
The visit comes at a time when officials from both capitals have described the current era of diplomatic relations as a “golden age.” Upon his arrival at Esenboğa Airport, where he was welcomed by Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacir, Vučić expressed confidence that the meetings would further cement the trust and cooperation between the two administrations.
The summit in Ankara focused heavily on deepening economic cooperation, a pillar of the relationship that has seen exponential growth over the last decade. Bilateral trade volume has surged significantly, with leaders reaffirming their commitment to a medium-term target of $5 billion annually. Currently, trade figures hover near the $3 billion mark, driven by robust exchange in sectors ranging from textiles and automotive components to construction and machinery.
Turkish investments in Serbia have also expanded dramatically, rising from nominal figures a decade ago to hundreds of millions of dollars today. Turkish companies currently employ approximately 10,000 workers across Serbia, a statistic often cited by President Vučić as evidence of the tangible benefits of Ankara’s friendship.
A Pillar of Regional Stability
Beyond economics, the talks addressed complex regional security issues. President Vučić has frequently identified Türkiye as a stabilizing force in the Western Balkans, crediting President Erdoğan’s personal engagement with helping to maintain peace in a historically volatile region.
“We will discuss regional issues, stability in the Balkans, and other challenges we face in complex global circumstances,” Vučić noted in a statement released prior to the closed-door meetings. “We continue to build a partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and a clear vision of a future in which cooperation and dialogue remain the key principles of our policy.”
Political analysts suggest that Vučić’s comments regarding Serbia’s size relative to Türkiye are calculated to show diplomatic deference while securing Ankara’s continued political backing. By positioning Serbia as a “smaller” but reliable partner, Belgrade aims to ensure that Türkiye remains engaged in the Balkans as a mediator and economic benefactor, rather than pivoting entirely to other global theaters.
Diplomatic Momentum
The frequency of high-level contacts underscores the intensity of the relationship. Since 2017, Presidents Vučić and Erdoğan have met more than 14 times, establishing a direct line of communication that has facilitated rapid problem-solving and the signing of numerous bilateral agreements.
Thursday’s agenda also included a plenary session involving delegations from both countries, including key ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and economy. The inclusion of such a broad array of officials signals that the partnership has moved beyond personal rapport between leaders to become institutionalized across government sectors.
As the meetings concluded, the sentiment remained one of optimism. While acknowledging the difference in geopolitical weight, Vučić’s message was clear: for Serbia, the road to stability and economic prosperity is inextricably linked to a strong, enduring partnership with Türkiye.
* trtworld.com
* b92.net
* turkiyetoday.com
* aa.com.tr
* dailysabah.com
* balkanweb.com
* indeksonline.net
* mfa.gov.rs
* tanjug.rs
