Japan-Serbia Relations
Japan-Serbia Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Working Lunch
July 18, 2024
On July 18, commencing at 11:35 local time (6:35 p.m. Japan time), Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan held a Japan-Serbia Foreign Ministers' Meeting (for approximately 40 minutes) and Working Lunch (for approximately 65 minutes) with H.E. Mr. Marko ĐURIĆ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia during her visit to the country. The overview is as follows:
- At the outset, Minister ĐURIĆ welcomed Minister Kamikawa's visit to Serbia, and expressed his wish to further develop bilateral relations in a wide range of fields. He also mentioned his recent attendance at the NATO Summit as the first Serbian Foreign Minister. In response, Minister Kamikawa congratulated him on his inauguration as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and expressed her wish to exchange views for the development of bilateral relations, the stability in the Western Balkans, and maintaining and strengthening the international order based on the rule of law.
Particularly in the economic field, the two ministers agreed to launch negotiations of the bilateral investment treaty in order to further strengthen bilateral economic relations. In addition, Minister Kamikawa requested supports for Japanese companies in Serbia. In response, Minister ĐURIĆ stated that he would like to focus on supporting Japanese companies in Serbia. - Regarding the bilateral Relations (Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative),Minister Kamikawa stated that in order for the Western Balkans to continue to develop strongly and enjoy peace and stability after numerous conflicts, it is important to promote peace, stability, and regional cooperation among the countries in the region, as well as to integrate the Western Balkans into Europe. Under this very perspectives, Japan is supporting the Western Balkans in their efforts for socio-economic reform, reconciliation and harmony, through the "Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative".
In response, Minister ĐURIĆ expressed his gratitude for Japan's support to Serbia through the "Western Balkans Cooperation Initiative", including the " Flue Gas Desulphurization Construction Project for Thermal Power Plant Nikola Tesla", which was completed in April this year with Japanese yen loans.
Minister Kamikawa also stated that she had a fruitful discussion in the exchange of views with Tatjana Macura, Minister of the Republic of Serbia in charge of women's issues in Serbia, including women's empowerment, and that she would like to cooperate with Minister ĐURIĆ from the perspective of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). In response, Minister ĐURIĆ stated that he himself participated in the WPS event during the NATO Summit, and both sides shared the view to cooperate in the field of WPS. - Regarding the Serbia and Kosovo issues, Minister Kamikawa, referring to Minister ĐURIĆ 's efforts to normalize relations with Kosovo as Director of the Serbian Government Office for Kosovo, stated that Japan supports the resolution of issues through the EU-mediated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and that under this dialogue, it is important for all parties to fulfil their respective obligations in good faith.
In response, Minister ĐURIĆ explained the background of the Kosovo issue and the position of the Serbian Government. The two sides then shared the view on the importance of dialogue about this issue. - Regarding the regional issues, the two ministers exchanged views on regional situations, including the ones surrounding Ukraine and East Asia, and they confirmed that they continue to communicate with each other.