Türkiye and Serbia pledge deeper ties across defense, economy and diplomacy

Türkiye and Serbia have committed to strengthening strategic cooperation across a broad spectrum of fields, including foreign policy, defense industry, economy, culture and advanced technologies. The agreement came during Thursday's meeting between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in Ankara, following the fourth session of the High-Level Cooperation Council.

Deepening partnership amid regional uncertainty

A joint statement issued by Türkiye's Communications Directorate emphasized that the leaders convened at a moment of increased fragility and unpredictability in regional and global affairs. Against this backdrop, Erdoğan and Vučić reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on current international developments. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the multidimensional cooperation between the two countries, grounded in principles of mutual benefit, and agreed to deepen collaboration in foreign policy, trade, defense industry, culture, tourism, education, energy, transportation, connectivity and environmental policy.

Trade and investment surge

The two leaders welcomed the bilateral trade volume reaching $3.5 billion in 2025 and committed to taking necessary steps to achieve the $5 billion target in the coming years. They also noted with satisfaction the record-breaking growth in reciprocal tourist visits, which continue to strengthen people-to-people ties. Turkish companies operating in Serbia's construction and contracting sectors—particularly in transport and energy infrastructure projects—received special commendation. It was decided to accelerate work through the Türkiye-Serbia Business Council, established in 2002, recognizing the private sector's vital role in expanding trade and investment.

Defense, technology and regional platforms

Reaffirming commitments made at the October 2024 HLCC meeting in Belgrade, both sides reiterated determination to enhance defense industry cooperation. Progress toward agreements strengthening the contractual framework in advanced technologies and education was welcomed. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the first two meetings of the Balkan Peace Platform, held in July 2025 and January 2026, and underscored the importance of EXPO 2027 Belgrade for regional economic development. The next meeting of the Türkiye-Serbia Joint Economic Commission will be convened at the earliest opportunity, and agreement was reached to hold the next HLCC meeting as soon as possible.