Türkiye working for regional peace amid rising global uncertainty, never neglects Balkans: Erdogan
Trade with Serbia hits $3.5B as Ankara advances toward $5B target, investments and tourism ties expand, says Turkish president.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Türkiye is working to ensure peace and stability in its region and beyond “at a time of rising global uncertainty,” stressing that Ankara “never neglects the Balkans.”
Speaking at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Erdogan emphasised regional engagement and highlighted Turkish efforts to promote peace and stability across the Balkans alongside broader diplomatic initiatives.
“At a time of rising global uncertainty, Türkiye is working to ensure peace and stability in our region and beyond, and we never neglect the Balkans,” he stressed.
He also highlighted growing economic ties between the two countries.
“Türkiye’s total trade volume with Serbia reached $3.5 billion last year as we are moving step by step toward our $5 billion target,” he said.
Erdogan also pointed to the expansion of Turkish investments in Serbia.
“While around 100 Turkish-capital companies were operating in Serbia in 2015, today that number has exceeded 1,500, and the total investment amount has reached $300 million,” he noted.
He underlined the strengthening tourism links between the two nations.
“Today, Türkiye is the second tourism destination for Serbian tourists,” Erdogan said, adding that Turkish citizens rank first among visitors to Serbia.