Dear Citizens,

As of November 28, 2024, I have officially assumedmy duties as the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Serbia.

It is a great honor and privilege to begin thismission at a time when our bilateral relations with Serbia are experiencing theirbest period in history.

In recent years, the increase in high-level mutualvisits demonstrates our shared commitment to advancing our relations in everyarea. The High-Level Cooperation Council mechanism, which we have establishedwith Serbia and convenes regularly at Presidential level, reflects theexcellent trajectory of our relationship.

Diplomatic relations between Türkiye and Serbia havea deeply rooted history of 145 years. Our bilateral ties have improved andadvanced in various areas, including economy, trade, tourism, and education.

Our bilateral trade volume with Serbia has setrecords for two consecutive years, surpassing $2.5 billion. I am confident thatwe will soon achieve our next target of $5 billion.

Our trade relations with Serbia are not the onlyarea of growth; Turkish companies’ investments in Serbia, which createsignificant employment opportunities, are also rapidly increasing. Turkishinvestments in Serbia, which amounted to $1 million 12 years ago, have nowreached $405 million. More than 800 Turkish companies are currently operatingin Serbia. Turkish contractors have achieved a business volume of $1 billion.

Our companies are particularly focused on sectorssuch as textiles, automotive sub-industries, contracting, ready-to-wearclothing, white goods, construction materials, banking, and tourism.

The support provided by Serbian authorities to ourinvestors encourages us to direct even more of our entrepreneurs to Serbia.

Another record has been set in the number oftourists visiting our country from Serbia. By the end of this year, we hope tosurpass the 2022 record of 360,000 tourists from Serbia. We are also glad tosee that Turkish citizens have become the largest group of tourists visitingSerbia (204,000 during the January-October 2024 period).

Our multifaceted relations are expanding into newdimensions in line with modern needs. We will strengthen our cooperation inareas such as green economic transformation, connectivity, innovation,information technologies, artificial intelligence, and the defense industry.

Together with my colleagues, I will continue to worktirelessly to advance our bilateral relations in every field.

In today’s world, where diplomacy has evolved into amulti-layered and multi-actor structure, modern diplomacy highlights theimportance of collaboration with the business world, academia, and civilsociety. In this context, I aim to work closely with you throughout my tenureas the Ambassador of Türkiye in Serbia.

Throughout my tenure, I will strive to be with youin all areas, from our children’s education to consular services, from tradeactivities to cultural initiatives. The doors of our Embassy, the Novi PazarConsulate General, and the Niš Consular Office will always remain open to ourcitizens and all our friends, particularly those in Serbia.

On this occasion, I extend my warmest regards andbest wishes to all of you.

İlhan SAYGILI

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Belgrade