“Our countries share an exceptional relationship. We have a mutual understanding of the policies we pursue in Serbia and Georgia. I am pleased with Serbia’s achievements, but I am also proud of what you have accomplished from 2012 to the present day. Georgia has delivered extraordinary results,” stated the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, during a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze.
The Serbian President added that Georgia’s achievements deeply hearten him.
“Beyond diplomatic ties, our countries share a truly special bond. I am the first Serbian President to visit your beautiful country. Thank you for such a warm welcome and for this partnership. We look upon Georgia not merely as a friendly nation, but as one with which we share long-standing Orthodox traditions. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet with Patriarch Shio III. Our brotherly Orthodox relationship is unique.
I also recognise how far-sighted your vision for the future is. We are friends who consistently show mutual respect. Our meetings and other engagements are conducted in an atmosphere of great warmth; we always understand one another and the respective policies we implement. While I am pleased with Serbia’s progress, I am equally proud of what you have achieved since 2012. Georgia has demonstrated remarkable results, and I say this on behalf of Serbia. Our country recognises your accomplishments. Some may take this success for granted, as if it were inevitable, but we do not see it that way.
In Serbia, everyone is aware that Georgia’s economic growth rate in the first quarter stood at 9.3%. No other country in Europe has posted such figures. We share your pride in this result. Once the first-quarter data is finalised, we will see the growth rate of our own economy. But we can already see the immense progress and the sheer momentum of Georgia’s development. In the West, we often say that if Western Europe experienced such a trend, if it had this pace of economic development, it would be considered miraculous. I am proud of what is happening in Georgia, deeply heartened by your achievements, and I am learning a great deal from you. Georgia recorded a 12% growth rate in the construction sector alone; this is exceptional. Tourism growth has been equally impressive. We can see where we might learn from you and what we need to work on more rigorously in Serbia to approach your figures,” Aleksandar Vučić stated.
President Vučić went on to express his gratitude to Georgia for “its achievements in defending its national stance, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.”
“There are many countries across the globe watching you closely, studying Georgia’s approaches intently, and attempting to improve themselves. In the first quarter, we saw a 36.4% increase in bilateral trade, services, and tourism. We are making strides in this regard, supported by direct flights. Naturally, this figure is growing on the back of Serbian tourists. I would love to see many Georgian tourists visiting Serbia. Visiting Tbilisi is an absolute pleasure. I look forward to Georgian entrepreneurs coming to Serbia to explore the opportunities available in our country,” Vučić noted.
He further emphasised that relations between the two nations will develop even faster once a free trade agreement is finalised.
“We discussed numerous areas and share a very grand vision; we will have the opportunity to conclude a free trade agreement. This is a particular point of emphasis in our relations, which will serve as the foundation to accelerate our ties. Bilateral trade and economic cooperation are issues we are actively working on. We are very close to concluding the negotiations, and active trade will commence once the agreement is signed. It is highly important to us that many services enter from Georgia through commercial channels. Imagine how much imports from Georgia will increase once the free trade agreement is signed. Our access will be unrestricted, and consumers will benefit enormously from such significant imports. This will be mutually beneficial for both producers and consumers.
I am delighted that a Serbian embassy will open in Georgia very soon. I hope a similar decision will be made to open a Georgian embassy in Serbia. Through this, we will support our relations and their development. Such a high level of integration will be crucial. We will support the interests of Serbia and Georgia even more robustly, which will be immensely beneficial for both sides. We could point to many areas of cooperation, but our emotional connection is also exceptionally strong, be it in tourism, people-to-people ties, or any other field.
For me, it was wonderful to discover that alongside wine tourism, you also have a thriving ski tourism industry. This was news to me. Your skiing infrastructure is on par with European standards. Many people wish to visit Georgia; everyone loves Georgia for a multitude of reasons. I wish Georgia the absolute best; your efforts are truly enviable. Your dedication is immense, and only a select few in Europe have managed to achieve such results. This is something to be immensely proud of. I will not say I am envious, as I dislike the word, but I wish my own country enjoyed the same success as Georgia in every domain. Thank you for the warm reception. I trust that when you visit us, we will make you feel equally at home. I leave Tbilisi with wonderful memories. Thank you for your friendship and for the bond between our nations,” Vučić concluded.
Note: This material has been prepared based on a simultaneous Serbian-to-Georgian translation.
