Japan seeks ‘vibrant’ economic ties with Serbia

By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday said he wants “even more vibrant” economic ties with Serbia as he hosted Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Tokyo.

During the meeting, Ishiba said he welcomed Vucic’s first trip to Japan, stressing that he is eager to enhance cooperation with Serbia amid “increasingly severe” international security environment.

Ishiba also expressed satisfaction over the conclusion of an investment agreement between the two nations, stressing the importance of more than 30 Japanese companies’ facilities established in Serbia.

According to a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Ishiba further expressed his wishes for an “even more vibrant economic partnership” between the two sides.

For his part, Vucic praised the “sincere and responsible” role of Japan in addressing various international challenges, saying that he would like to continue enhancing bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The two leaders agreed to continue dialogue to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including the economic relationship and agreed to continue engaging in close dialogue.

They also discussed various global issues, such as the situation in Ukraine and their policies regarding North Korea, including its nuclear and missile issues.

The total bilateral trade volume between Japan and Serbia in 2023 amounted to nearly $408.84 million, according to data from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.