Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić and the President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud signed today the first bilateral agreement related to the field of tourism that will, as expected by its signatories, stimulate an improved political and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Upon signing the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Tourism, Ljajić noted that the goal is attracting the maximum number of tourists from Saudi Arabia, who will be presented with both the tourist potential of Serbia, as well as opportunities for investments.
“This visit will represent the foundation for future political and economic relations between our two countries”, said Ljajić.
He noted that the interest of Serbia is to continue the reforms and fully complete the privatization process, and wherever there is a chance, to present investment opportunities in our country to potential investors.
“I would not want this visit to be only about selling some spas and hotels. That is one small segment of this visit. Our goal is to attract Saudi investors and as many tourists as possible”, said Ljajić.
He added that currently there is intensive cooperation between the two countries and noted he expects the visit of a large agricultural holding from Saudi Arabia.
“We need to sign an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation and Agreement for the Promotion and Protection of Investments, to provide a framework for continued cooperation”, said Ljajić.
He stated that Serbia will act jointly with Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Saudi Arabian market.
“This shows our desire for full regional stability and cooperation with neighbouring countries, and thus also increasing the chances of more tourists and investments arriving during the coming period”, said Ljajić.
Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said the delegation of that country in Serbia encountered progress and stability and announced a new and more intensive cooperation between the two countries.
“We see Serbia as an important and key actor in the Balkans and the international community. We expect to achieve cooperation in our mutual interests. We look forward to the return visit by Serbian businessmen and tourists”, said Al Saud.
He added that his state views the relations between Saudi Arabia and Serbia as relations between two equal countries and emphasized that today he also talked with the Prime Minister of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić on the further strengthening of political and economic relations.
Asked about potential areas where Saudi Arabia could invest in Serbia, Al Saud responded that Serbia started to organize its investment portfolio that will present the potential of our country to foreign investors and added that he is very optimistic, based on what he has heard about Serbia.
“Saudi investors are ready to invest anywhere in the world. We have no limits in this regard and now it is up to the Government of Serbia to come to Saudi Arabia and present Serbia as a place with a good and stable investment climate”, concluded Al Saud.
