PM: Egypt-Serbia talks focused on enhancing economic, trade cooperation

Egypt Independent

18-06-2025

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly welcomed his Serbian counterpart Djuro Macut on his first official visit to Egypt, saying the visit is highly appreciated by Egypt and marks a milestone in the long-standing and growing relationship between the two countries.
Madbouly said that this visit constitutes the Serbian premier's first official foreign trip since taking office, underscoring the high importance Egypt attaches to it as a significant step in the ties between the two countries.
Madbouly made these remarks during a joint press conference with his Serbian counterpart on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the government premises in the New Administrative Capital, in the presence of several ministers from both sides.
Madbouly said that a constructive bilateral session had been convened in a spirit of mutual understanding and openness, during which an array of high-priority matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation, as well as prevailing regional challenges, were thoroughly addressed.
He noted that the discussions had primarily centered on enhancing economic and trade relations, particularly in light of the Free Trade Agreement signed during the Serbian president's visit to Cairo in July 2024, and subsequently ratified by the parliaments of the two countries.
Madbouly expressed his hope that the agreement's entry into force would help stimulate further growth in trade and industrial cooperation between the two countries.
He also underscored the significance of convening the Egyptian-Serbian Business Forum, describing it as a valuable platform to encourage both countries' business communities to expand collaboration across diverse sectors.
Madbouly noted that the talks also addressed cooperation in the fields of agriculture and food security, particularly in light of the ongoing global challenges facing this sector.
He stressed the importance of enhancing bilateral exports in this vital domain, highlighting Serbia's considerable potential in agricultural production and agri-industrial processing.
He added that the ministers of agriculture from both sides have been instructed to accord this file particular attention and to actively pursue areas of mutual benefit.
He further noted that the joint business forum would serve as a platform to explore a wide range of investment opportunities Egypt offers, particularly within the Suez Canal Economic Zone and in the fields of new and renewable energy, including green hydrogen, as well as an array of incentives available to attract Serbian companies to invest in Egypt.
Madbouly said Egypt and Serbia agreed to boost tourism and cultural cooperation, including expanding flights via Air Serbia, EgyptAir, and Air Cairo, following a recent visit by Egypt's tourism minister to Belgrade.
Speaking after extended talks with his Serbian counterpart, Madbouly reiterated both countries' support for peaceful solutions in the Middle East, respect for sovereignty, and an immediate ceasefire in ongoing regional conflicts. He warned that further escalation risks broader violence and regional collapse.
Madbouly reaffirmed Egypt's position on the Palestinian issue, calling for a two-state solution based on the establishment of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital. He praised Serbia's recent UN vote supporting full Palestinian membership.
Talks also touched on developments in the Western Balkans, with Egypt expressing full support for Serbia's territorial integrity and its participation in the Open Balkan initiative. Both sides agreed to continue coordination in international forums, with Madbouly thanking Serbia for backing Egypt's candidate for the post of UNESCO director-general.