Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić praised Georgia’s economic development and governance achievements during a joint briefing with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, saying only a few countries in Europe have achieved comparable results.
“Only a few countries have managed to achieve results in Europe like you have, and that is something to be very proud of. I cannot say I am envious, because I do not like that word, but I would wish my country to achieve similar success in all areas,” Vučić said.
The Serbian president highlighted Georgia’s economic performance since 2012, noting that the country’s 9.3% economic growth in the first quarter and strong expansion in sectors such as construction and tourism have attracted attention across Europe.
“Europe does not have such figures. We are proud of your results and are learning a great deal from your experience. If such growth rates existed in Western Europe, they would be considered extraordinary,” he stated.
Vučić said Georgia and Serbia share more than diplomatic ties, pointing to common Orthodox Christian traditions, mutual respect and longstanding friendship between the two nations. He also noted that his visit marks the first-ever visit to Georgia by a Serbian president.
The Serbian leader thanked Georgia for its warm hospitality and commended the country’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests.
“There are many countries in the world that are carefully studying Georgia’s approaches and trying to improve themselves based on your experience,” he said.
Vučić also announced that Georgia and Serbia are close to signing a free trade agreement, describing the deal as a major step forward in bilateral relations.
Serbian president claimed that trade turnover between the two countries increased by 36.4% in the first quarter of the year, while cooperation in tourism and services continues to grow, supported by direct flights between Georgia and Serbia.
“We are only a small step away from completing negotiations and signing a free trade agreement. Once it enters into force, trade and economic cooperation between our countries will accelerate significantly,” Vučić said.
He added that Serbia plans to open an embassy in Georgia in the near future and expressed hope that Georgia would also establish a diplomatic mission in Serbia, further strengthening political and economic ties.
The Serbian president also praised Georgia’s tourism sector, noting that he was impressed not only by the country’s wine tourism but also by its ski resorts and winter tourism infrastructure.
“I was amazed to discover that, besides wine tourism, you also have ski tourism. Many people come to Georgia for different reasons, and your tourism infrastructure is comparable to that of Europe,” Vučić said.
Concluding his remarks, the Serbian leader thanked the Georgian authorities for their hospitality and said he would leave Tbilisi with “great memories” of the visit.
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