Serbian PM: Erdoğan visit crucial for better relations

Serbia's prime minister said on Thursday that the upcoming visit of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is crucial for improving ties between the two countries.

Ana Brnabic and Turkish Ambassador Tanju Bilgic met on Thursday to discuss bilateral cooperation and economic and political relations, including Erdoğan's visit to Serbia next week.

In a statement, Brnabic said a free trade agreement to be signed next week is critical for the strengthening of economic and trade ties.

Brnabic said she expects to talk about possible projects in the IT sector and invited Turkish companies to participate in a digital summit set for next year in Serbia.

Infrastructure projects which the Turkish side is interested in -- such as the Kraljevo airport, the Tutin-Novi Pazar-Sjenica highway, and the highway between Belgrade and Sarajevo -- were also discussed.

Bilgic told Anadolu Agency that many Turkish companies are already operating in Serbia and that the goal is to double the number of Turkish investors in the next year.

"In addition, we exchanged views on preparations for the historic visit of our president to Serbia next week. Prime Minister Brnabic said that they are paying a lot of attention to the visit and are ready to do everything they can to make it successful," he added.