President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić on Serbia–Switzerland relations: Visit of President Guy Parmelin gave a strong boost to cooperation

President Vučić emphasized that Switzerland is one of Serbia’s most important economic partners, noting that total trade exchange has exceeded one billion euros. He particularly highlighted the importance of cooperation in the services sector, especially in information technology, where Serbia records a surplus.

According to him, Swiss companies employ around 14,000 people in Serbia, while total investments amount to approximately three billion euros. He singled out Switzerland’s support to the development of the startup ecosystem and science and technology parks in Belgrade, Niš, and Čačak as an important segment of cooperation.

The President of Serbia underlined that during the talks with President Parmelin, opportunities were discussed for further enhancing cooperation in the fields of innovation, artificial intelligence, and high technologies, as well as, for the first time, in the area of the defense industry and technology transfer.

It was also noted that cooperation in the field of transport is successful, particularly in the railway sector, where Serbia uses modern train sets produced by the Swiss company Stadler Rail.

Speaking about political dialogue, President Vučić assessed that Switzerland approaches international relations in a rational and balanced manner, respecting the principles of neutrality and openness to dialogue with all actors. He stressed that Belgrade appreciates such an approach and Switzerland’s readiness to encourage dialogue on important social and political issues.

Special emphasis was placed on the importance of the Serbian diaspora in Switzerland, which, according to official data, numbers around 130,000 people. The President assessed that this community represents an important bridge between the two countries and a potential for further strengthening economic and cultural ties.

President Vučić concluded that there is significant room for further deepening relations between Serbia and Switzerland, with a mutual interest in developing economic cooperation, innovation, and institutional ties, as well as strengthening the overall partnership between the two friendly countries.

🔗 Link to the full interview: https://www.blic.rs/vesti/politika/vucic-na-blic-tv-izaci-cu-pred-ljude-i-reci-cu-kakve-su-opasnosti-i-pretnje/7c3kp9g

Photo: Presidency of Serbia / Dimitrije Goll