Dacic: We Want Closer Relations with Kazakhstan, Trade Soars Due to Oil

Murat Nurtleu, Ivica Dacic Belgrade, Nov. 29. 2023 (Photo: Foreign Ministry/Dijana Vukomanovic)

 Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic stated in Belgrade on Nov. 29 that Serbia viewed Kazakhstan as “an exceptionally friendly and brotherly nation” and wanted to develop as close a relation as possible.

After a meeting with the foreign minister of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, Dacic said this was the first bilateral visit of a Kazakhstani foreign minister to Serbia and that this “sounded unbelievable” since the two countries had “such good relations.” He stated that their economic cooperation was on the rise. Last year’s trade amounted to around EUR60 million, while it grew significantly in the first nine months of this year, to more than 300 million.

Minister Nurtleu stated that Serbia was a reliable partner, a friend of Kazakhstan in the Balkans and a reputable member of the international community. “We agreed to systemically determine the perspective fields and take concrete steps. We exchanged opinions about the current regional and global issues and agreed to continue cooperating within international organizations,” he stated.

Nurtleu also signed memoranda of understanding with Serbian Minister for Culture Maja Gojkovic and Minister for Sports Zoran Gajic, on the behalf of their respective ministries, on cooperation in the fields of culture and sports. The Kazakhstani minister also met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Defense Minister Milos Vucevic.