Latest news with #Macut
Middle East
9 hours ago
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// Serbia open to expanding economic coop. with Egypt
CAIRO, June 17 (MENA) – Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut expressed his country's readiness to expand cooperation with Egypt across multiple sectors, including tourism, education, culture, agriculture, water resource management, and infrastructure. During talks with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli in the New Administrative Capital, Macut welcomed Egyptian companies to participate in infrastructure projects in Serbia, affirming that the two countries enjoy longstanding ties dating back over 70 years. He said several Serbian companies are interested in working in Egypt and confirmed that economic cooperation will be discussed further during the Egypt-Serbia Economic Forum. Macut expressed interest in restarting direct flights between Belgrade and Cairo, and potentially Alexandria. Serbian companies are seeking new opportunities in the Egyptian market, he said. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, who also attended the talks, reviewed opportunities for cultural exchange and joint tourism programs, while Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation Alaa Farouk, discussed expanding trade in wheat, corn, and sunflower oil. Talks included forming a working group to increase cooperation in food security and agricultural trade. For his part, Minister of Labor Mohamed Gobran proposed sending trained Egyptian workers to Serbia, pointing to Egypt's experience in large-scale infrastructure projects. The meeting highlighted that a draft agreement is being prepared to ease work permits for Egyptian nationals, making Egypt the first country to sign such an agreement with Serbia. Additionally, both sides agreed to continue coordination through upcoming joint economic forums. (MENA) H A T/R E E
Daily News Egypt
9 hours ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Serbian PM calls trade deal a ‘new page' in Egypt ties
Serbian Prime Minister Guro Macut has described a new free trade agreement with Egypt as a 'new page' in bilateral relations, stating that both countries are working to implement its terms to boost trade and investment. Speaking at the Egyptian-Serbian Business Forum in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, Macut said the agreement aims to 'achieve the optimal exploitation of possible opportunities to increase trade exchange and push investments' for the economic growth of both nations. He said the efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation have become tangible thanks to the support of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, which paves the way for stronger ties. Macut highlighted the long-standing ties between the two nations, which he noted were founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement and are celebrating 117 years of diplomatic relations. He said the strategic partnership was established during Sisi's 2022 visit to Belgrade and reaffirmed when the draft free trade deal was signed during Vučić's visit to Cairo in July 2024. While noting that economic exchange currently stands at approximately $122m, the prime minister asserted that there is potential to increase it significantly. He added that around 40 Egyptian-owned companies operate in Serbia and that joint manufacturing projects have already begun in the Egyptian market. He presented Serbia as an economically stable and safe investment destination, citing its strategic geographical location, government support, skilled workforce, and attractiveness for the software industry. Macut also mentioned Serbia's efforts to advance the 'Open Balkan' initiative to create a common market for the free movement of goods in the Western Balkans. Macut extended a specific invitation for Egyptian participation in the Belgrade Expo 2027, encouraging a large number of investors to attend to explore cooperation opportunities and create a platform to enhance trade. He also expressed hope that Serbian companies and products would find their place in the Egyptian market. 'We look forward to a new partnership and more cooperation,' he concluded.
Al Jazeera
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Serbia's President Vucic taps novice prime minister amid protest pressure
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic has nominated a politically inexperienced endocrinologist and university professor as prime minister, amid massive ongoing protests that forced the previous premier to resign. Vucic announced the nomination of 62-year-old Djuro Macut weeks after the resignation of Milos Vucevic was approved by parliament on March 19 amid violence at the protests, which are focused on the president's authoritarian stance and government corruption. Opposition parties were quick to reject the nomination of the Belgrade University lecturer, who had previously backed Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). They claimed that Macut would be beholden to directions from Vucic, who is trying to maintain his 12-year grip on power. 'The prime minister-designate can be anyone or nobody as long as Vucic remains the head of the state,' said Pavle Grbovic, head of the Movement of Free Citizens party. 'Knowledge about polycystic ovaries is not a reference for running the government, which requires a completely different kind of expertise,' said Boris Tadic, a former president and head of the opposition Social Democratic Party. However, Macut is unlikely to encounter heavy resistance on his way to becoming prime minister since the SNS, which he will also formally lead, controls parliament. With the government having been run by technocrats since parliament accepted Vucevic's resignation on March 19, Macut must now form a government and present it to the house by April 18. A swift confirmation process could signal political continuity for Vucic to both domestic and international audiences, with European Union accession talks still on the line for Serbia. However, the protests, which have spiralled since the collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad last November that killed 16 people, have not died down, particularly in Belgrade and Novi Sad. The tragedy was attributed to government corruption and mismanagement, leading to a public outcry and demands for accountability. Serbian authorities have occasionally used forceful tactics against protesters, but most demonstrations have proceeded without major incidents or deaths. The protests, which have seen organisers working hard to keep their distance from all political parties, have continued in varying forms. A group of about 80 Serbian university students embarked on a 1,300km (807-mile) journey from Novi Sad to Strasbourg in France on bicycles to draw EU attention to their cause. Macut's nomination is likely to test the mood, however, with the protesters having demanded a transitional government and for Vucic to step down.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Serbia's Vucic nominates medical professor as prime minister
BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has nominated a politically inexperienced medical professor, Djuro Macut, to become prime minister after the previous occupant resigned during anti-government protests. Demonstrations have spiralled since the collapse of a railway station roof in November killed 16 people, with protesters denouncing government corruption and incompetence in the biggest challenge to Vucic's 12-year grip on power. The government denies the accusations and says Western intelligence agencies are backing a push to destabilise the Balkan nation of 6.6 million people. Vucic announced his nominee in a public address late on Sunday, saying Macut needs to propose a cabinet for a new government to be formed by April 18. The 62-year-old lectures in endocrinology at Belgrade University and has backed Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the past. Opposition parties scoffed at Macut's nomination, saying he would be a figurehead for Vucic. "The prime minister-designate can be anyone or nobody as long as Vucic remains the head of the state," said Pavle Grbovic, head of the Movement of Free Citizens. "Knowledge about polycystic ovaries is not a reference for running the government, which requires a completely different kind of expertise," said Boris Tadic, a former president and head of the opposition Social Democratic Party. The government-controlled parliament is expected to endorse Macut, who will succeed SNS head Milos Vucevic after his resignation in March. Protesters want a transitional government in place prior to parliamentary and presidential elections due in 2027.
Reuters
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Serbia's Vucic nominates medical professor as prime minister
BELGRADE, April 7 (Reuters) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has nominated a politically inexperienced medical professor, Djuro Macut, to become prime minister after the previous occupant resigned during anti-government protests. Demonstrations have spiralled since the collapse of a railway station roof in November killed 16 people, with protesters denouncing government corruption and incompetence in the biggest challenge to Vucic's 12-year grip on power. The government denies the accusations and says Western intelligence agencies are backing a push to destabilise the Balkan nation of 6.6 million people. Vucic announced his nominee in a public address late on Sunday, saying Macut needs to propose a cabinet for a new government to be formed by April 18. The 62-year-old lectures in endocrinology at Belgrade University and has backed Vucic's ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in the past. Opposition parties scoffed at Macut's nomination, saying he would be a figurehead for Vucic. "The prime minister-designate can be anyone or nobody as long as Vucic remains the head of the state," said Pavle Grbovic, head of the Movement of Free Citizens. "Knowledge about polycystic ovaries is not a reference for running the government, which requires a completely different kind of expertise," said Boris Tadic, a former president and head of the opposition Social Democratic Party. The government-controlled parliament is expected to endorse Macut, who will succeed SNS head Milos Vucevic after his resignation in March. Protesters want a transitional government in place prior to parliamentary and presidential elections due in 2027.
