“Serbia’s support to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is of utmost importance for our region’s peace and stability. It is obvious that the international community needs to act together for the crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be overcome,” Erdoğan said while speaking at a joint press conference with President Vucic of Serbia.

Drawing attention to the increasing trade volume between the two countries, Erdoğan said: “We elevated our bilateral trade volume to some $2 billion last year, with an increase of nearly 34 percent. Our goal is now to achieve $5 billion. We addressed with Mr. President the joint steps we could take to that end. We exchanged our views on joint projects that could be launched in the upcoming period. We are more than happy about the Turkish companies’ contributions to the development initiative Serbia has been carrying out successfully. The total amount of our investments has increased to $250 million from $1 million over the past decade.”

“Serbia’s support to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is of the utmost importance”

Emphasizing the importance of Türkiye attached to the Balkans’ peace and stability, Erdoğan stated: “We exchanged our views on the ongoing political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Serbia’s support to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is of utmost importance for our region’s peace and stability. It is obvious that the international community needs to act together for the crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina to be overcome. All the parties should act responsibly and avoid steps that would jeopardize Bosnia and Herzegovina’s territorial integrity. We as Türkiye will continue to do our best in order for the tension in the Balkans to be reduced.”

Relations with israel

Answering reporters’ questions following his remarks, Erdoğan, in response to a question regarding the U.S.’ withdrawal of its support to the natural gas project that includes israel and Greece as well in the Eastern Mediterranean, said that he was of the belief that the withdrawal decision had come following the cost analyses made by the U.S.

As regards Türkiye’s relations with israel, President Erdoğan noted: “Back in the day when Albayrak was the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, talks used to be held with israel, in which a specific goal was set to carry the natural gas to be drilled from here to Europe via Türkiye. We can still realize it.”

“We currently hold talks with President Herzog. In the meantime, Mr. Herzog might visit Türkiye. Also, Prime Minister Bennett is displaying some positive approaches. The goal is to make progress through positive approaches. We as Türkiye will do our best as long as this positive approach is based on a win-win strategy.” (ILKHA)