Türkiye and Serbia agree to strengthen strategic cooperation across key sectors

Friday 13 February 2026 - 07:45

By: Sahili Aya

Türkiye and Serbia agree to strengthen strategic cooperation across key sectors

Türkiye and Serbia have pledged to expand their strategic partnership following high-level talks in Ankara between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.

A joint declaration issued after the meeting outlined both countries’ intention to deepen cooperation in foreign policy, defense, trade, culture, education, energy and advanced technologies. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties at a time of heightened regional and global uncertainty.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the trajectory of relations since the signing of the 2017 Joint Political Declaration establishing the High-Level Cooperation Council (HLCC). Four HLCC meetings have been held to date, shaping a structured framework for collaboration and setting shared objectives across multiple sectors.

Expanding economic ambitions

Economic and trade relations featured prominently in the talks. The two sides welcomed the rise in bilateral trade, which reached approximately $3.5 billion in 2025. They emphasized their goal of increasing that figure to $5 billion in the coming years, highlighting the role of the Joint Economic Commission as a central mechanism in achieving this objective.

Turkish companies active in Serbia’s infrastructure development, particularly in transport and energy projects, were commended for their contribution. The leaders also agreed to accelerate the work of the Türkiye-Serbia Business Council, recognizing the private sector’s key role in boosting trade and investment flows.

Growing tourism exchanges were also noted, with both sides welcoming record numbers of visitors traveling between the two countries in recent years. Officials stressed that these exchanges help strengthen people-to-people ties and mutual understanding.

Defense, regional stability and multilateral engagement

The declaration reiterated both governments’ determination to enhance cooperation in the defense industry, building on understandings reached during the fourth HLCC meeting in Belgrade in October 2024. Steps will also be taken to expand collaboration in civil aviation, culture and tourism.

Beyond bilateral matters, Ankara and Belgrade reaffirmed their readiness to coordinate within regional and international platforms to support peace and stability in the Balkans. The leaders expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the first two meetings of the Balkan Peace Platform in 2025 and 2026.

They also underscored the importance of EXPO 2027 Belgrade as a catalyst for regional economic growth and international cooperation.

The two presidents agreed to maintain regular high-level visits and confirmed that the next Council meeting will be convened at the earliest opportunity, signaling continued momentum in the Türkiye–Serbia partnership.