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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Negotiations on free trade zone between Serbia, Turkey to be continued

Belgrade/Istanbul, 30 October 2008

Serbian Deputy Prime Minster for EU Integration Bozidar Djelic said today that he is taking part in the World Economic Forum in Istanbul in order to present Serbia’s progress on its path towards the EU, as well as to strengthen bilateral relations between Serbia and Turkey.

In a statement to the Tanjug news agency, Djelic said that apart from participating in an interactive panel discussion, within the forum “Enlarging the EU“, he will also have a series of bilateral meetings.

Djelic pointed out that he will meet with President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Thomas Mirow, European Commission Vice-President Responsible for Justice, Freedom and Security Jacques Barrot, as well as with several European ministers.

The Minister recalled that Barrot is also in charge of visa liberalisation, adding that he will make efforts to present Serbia’s activities in this respect.

Djelic will also meet with Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Nazım Ekren and Turkish Minister for Economy Mehmet Simsek.

Djelic stressed that the aim is to unblock the negotiations on establishing a free trade zone between Turkey and Serbia, adding that with a population of 70 million, Turkey is a huge and dynamic market, offering great opportunities to Serbia.

It is important to implement an agreement on a free trade zone and the goal is to resume negotiations next year, said Djelic.

He said that he will meet in Istanbul with representatives of three major financial groups, Sabanci Holding, Koc Group and NK.

He said that it was agreed that a delegation of Sebanci Holding will visit Serbia. The company is interested in vehicle manufacturer FAP, Priboj.

The World Economic Forum, which is being held to examine business potential in the region and to define strategies for dealing with the financial global crisis through dialogue, as a condition for progress, stability and security throughout the region has gathered together international and regional business leaders, as well as representatives of European countries, Turkey, Russia, Central Asia and the Middle East.