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 met with H.E. Mr. Tomislav Nikolic, President of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Vucic, First Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, and H.E. Mr. Ivan Mrkic, Foreign Minister of Serbia. Hon’ble Minister of State, accompanied by the Hon Foreign Minister of Serbia, visited the IT Park being developed by the Bangalore-based Embassy Group.

During the meeting with the Hon’ble President Nikolic of Serbia, issues relating to bilateral cooperation, including high level visits and tie-ups in business and other sectors like traditional medicines, were discussed. The Hon President reiterated Serbia’s appreciation of India’s stand on Kosovo and provided a briefing on the developments in the region and the progress made on Serbia’s EU integration. He also touched upon the influence of Indian films and TV serials in Serbia and appreciated Indian film industry. Hon’ble Minister of State reiterated India’s stand in support of Serbia and against Unilateral declaration of Independence by Kosovo. She also thanked Serbia for its support for India’s efforts on the expansion of the UNSC in both permanent and non-permanent categories. The Indian side expressed the hope that further Indian investment would follow the IT Park model and suggested Serbia as a good location for Indian film production. The Serbia side reiterated the invitation to Rashtrapatiji to visit Serbia.

During the meeting with the Hon’ble First Dy. PM, matters relating to enhancement of economic cooperation in the fields of agriculture, food processing, pharma and other industries were discussed. The Hon’ble First Dy. PM also briefed Hon’ble Minister of State about the situation in Kosovo, including the recent round of elections to the municipal bodies and voiced Serbia’s deep appreciation for India’s continued support on this issue of critical importance to Serbia. The First Dy. PM also thanked the Indian Ambassador for her efforts to bring Indian investments to Serbia. He directed his officials to facilitate the visit of Indian businessmen by removing any visa impediments. He also appointed his special economic advisor as the head of the Joint Economic Committee with India to enable close oversight of the relations. He conveyed Serbia’s unequivocal support for the expansion of UNSC, including India’s candidature in the permanent category. Hon’ble Deputy Premier was invited to attend the CII Partnership Summit to be held in Bangalore from 27-29 January 2014.

In the meeting with the Hon’ble Foreign Minister Ivan Mrkic, matters of bilateral,regional and international importance were discussed. The Foreign Minister showed his appreciation of Indian excellence in IT and hoped that more Indian investments like the one in IT Park would ensue. Hon’ble Minister of State reiterated India’s determination to enhance the level of cooperation with Serbia in all sectors and also sought Serbia’s vocal support for India’s initiative on the expansion of UNSC including India’s candidature in the permanent category. Two Agreements (i) India-Serbia Agreement on Serbia’s accession to WTO, and (ii) 99-year Lease Agreement for Embassy Residence in Belgrade, were also signed.

Accompanied by the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Serbia, Hon Minister of State visited the IT Park at Indija, being developed by the Bangalore-based Embassy Group. In her address, Hon’ble Minister emphasized India’s intention of sharing its expertise in IT and other knowledge-based industries by setting up centers of excellence and simultaneously expanding mutual cooperation in other sectors like agriculture, defence,automobile, pharma, mining, steel industry, film production and broadcasting. Hon’ble Minister of State also offered to lend India’s know-how and political support for Serbian WTO membership. The Hon’ble Minister of State expressed the hope that the IT Park in Serbia could become a showcase for other Indian companies to invest in Serbia for mutual benefit.

The Hon Foreign Minister of Serbia hosted a luncheon in honour of the Hon’ble Minister of State and the delegation.

The Hon’ble Minister of State graced the well attended reception hosted by Ambassador Smt. Narinder Chauhan where she met Serbian dignitaries from different walks of life.

On November 21, 2013, Hon’ble Minister is scheduled to have discussion with Hon’ble Prime Minister Dacic of Serbia. She will also visit Gandhi Street and Nehru Street in Belgrade where busts of Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru are 20 November 2013