Israel, Serbia push for free trade agreement, touting deepening ties

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić announce steps toward a free trade agreement and the launch of a new strategic dialogue, hailing deepening ties between the two countries.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Sa’ar says relations between Israel and Serbia “have historic depth” and have “withstood the test of challenging times,” praising Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s leadership and Belgrade’s support since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks and during the subsequent war.

“We are negotiating a free trade agreement,” Sa’ar says, adding that a joint economic committee would convene “soon” and that Israel plans to establish “permanent economic representation” in Belgrade. He also announces the launch of an Israel-Serbia Chamber of Commerce tomorrow and efforts to expand cooperation in “defense, economy, tourism, agriculture and beyond.”

Đurić says that “like-minded countries like Serbia and Israel have a national interest in advancing our relations.”

He says the two sides were launching a formal “strategic dialogue” following a year of preparatory work, with talks focused in part on expanding economic cooperation.

“There will be… a free trade agreement, which will open widely the doors for Serbian and Israeli companies,” Đurić says, also thanking Israel for its participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade.

“When I was planning my trip here, President Vučić told me that this is by far the most important task for me at the moment,” he adds about the agreement.

Both ministers emphasize the growing partnership, with Đurić saying he looks forward to hosting Sa’ar in Belgrade.