Smt. Preneet Kaur, Hon’ble Minister of State for External Affairs of India, who is on an official visit to Belgrade from 18-21 November 2013, today called on H.E. Mr. Nebojsa Stefanovic, President of the National Assembly of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Sasa Radulovic, Minister of Economy of Serbia, and H.E. Mrs. Vera Mavric, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.

During the meeting with the President of the National Assembly, issues relating to bilateral cooperation, including exchange of visit of Parliamentary delegation, cooperation between the Parliamentary Friendship Groups, ITEC Programme, and strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries were discussed. The Hon’ble Speaker deeply appreciated India’s consistent support to Serbia against the Unilateral Declaration of Independence by Kosovo and reiterated that Serbia was ready to reconnect with its traditional allies including India. He also stressed the need for University level exchanges and people-to-people contact. The Hon’ble Minister reiterated invitation to the Hon’ble Speaker of Serbia to lead a Parliamentary delegation to India and also take advantage of the orientation programme at the Bureau of Parliamentary Studies and Training.

During the meeting with Economy Minister, issues relating to enhancement of economic cooperation in the fields of agriculture, ICT, film production, S&T, capacity building were discussed. Hon’ble Minister extended an invitation to the Serbian Minister of Economy to visit India to participate in the Partnership Summit being organized by CII in Bangalore from 27-29 January 2014. She also stressed on early resumption of Joint Economic Committee meeting and exchange of high level bilateral visits. She emphasized the need for liberalization of Serbian visa regime for Indian businesses. Serbian Economy Minister invited Indian companies to make investment in Serbia, including participation in Serbian privatization process, with particular reference to the pharma and steel sectors. Referring to the economic reconstruction process and economic reforms in Serbia, which are expected to be finalized by year end, he also invited India’s Venture Capitals and Equity Funds to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

H.E. Mrs. Vera Mavric, State Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs today hosted a working lunch in honour of Hon’ble Minister. During the lunch meeting, a whole range of bilateral and multilateral issues were discussed. The Serbian side appreciated India’s stance on Unilateral Declaration of Independence by Kosovo. Hon’ble Minister emphasized the need for early and regular bilateral meetings at all levels, including high level visits, exchange of business delegations and cooperation in the fields of education, science & technology, IT etc. Serbian side explained the recent developments in Kosovo and also Serbia’s EU integration. Serbia was invited to lead business delegations to India. The need to expand political dialogue to include discussions on counter terrorism and cyber security was underlined. Hon’ble Minister also stressed the need for expansion of ITEC Programme. The two sides also agreed that the present cooperation in multi-fora like United Nations will be continued and enhanced.

On November 20, 2013 Hon’ble Minister is scheduled to have discussion with Hon’ble President, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia. She would also visit the IT Park in Serbia being developed by the Bangalore-based Embassy Group.

19 November 2013
Belgrade