Montenegro and Serbia represent each other's most important economic partners, with an intensive exchange of goods and services, in which tourism also plays a significant role, assessed the Minister of Tourism, Simonida Kordić.
At a meeting with the Minister of Internal and Foreign Trade of Serbia, Jagoda Lazarević, in Belgrade, she said that tourists from Serbia traditionally make the largest number of visits and overnight stays in Montenegro, which makes up an important part of the total tourist turnover.
The Ministry announced that key topics of common interest were discussed in an open and constructive conversation, with special emphasis on improving economic cooperation, trade exchange and the development of tourism between the two countries.
Both sides noted the increase in investment activities between the countries, both in terms of investments by Montenegrin citizens in Serbia and vice versa. It was jointly assessed that the region represents a natural space for cooperation, further strengthened through the CEFTA agreement.
In addition to tourism, the importance of cooperation in areas that directly affect its development, such as energy and information technologies, was emphasized.
Lazarević particularly pointed out the importance of investing in road and railway infrastructure, which is crucial for a more efficient flow of tourists and goods.
The interlocutors agreed that tourism is one of the key generators of gross domestic product and that joint projects contribute to the sustainability of the sector.
The need for a joint presence in distant markets under the Destination Balkans brand was also highlighted, which would strengthen the region's presence on the global tourism map.
"The need for further harmonization of visa regimes with important markets such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates was particularly emphasized, with Serbia already making an important step forward by introducing electronic visas," the statement said.
Kordić and Lazarević confirmed the importance of the upcoming Expo 2027 in Belgrade, which represents an important platform for promoting the economic, cultural and tourism potential of both countries and the entire region.
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