The Twelfth Session of the Serbian-Belarusian Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation was held at the “Serbia” Palace in Belgrade, concluding with the formal signing of a protocol on agreed activities.
The Serbian delegation was led by Nenad Popović, Minister without portfolio responsible for international economic cooperation and the social status of the church, and chairman of the Serbian side of the commission. The Belarusian delegation was headed by Artur Karpovič, Minister for Antimonopoly Regulation and Trade, and chairman of the Belarusian side.
During the session, both sides reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to further enhance collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Key sectors covered included trade, economy and investment; agriculture, forestry, and water management; industry; construction, transport, and infrastructure; environmental protection; science, technological development, and innovation; education; healthcare; tourism; culture; sport; geology; and cooperation between chambers of commerce and other business institutions.
Both delegations expressed satisfaction with the meeting, emphasizing the commission’s role as an important mechanism for monitoring and advancing bilateral economic relations, especially since the last session took place in Minsk in 2019.
Minister Nenad Popović highlighted the strong, respectful, and supportive nature of Serbia-Belarus relations. He praised Belarus for its firm support of Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly regarding Kosovo and Metohija, and noted Belarus’s opposition to the adoption of the Srebrenica Resolution in May 2024.
Popović recalled the historic solidarity shown by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during NATO’s aggression against Serbia, including his personal visit to Belgrade and provision of humanitarian aid. He emphasized the shared sacrifices of Serbs, Belarusians, and Russians during World War II and noted the recent joint commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany by the presidents of Russia, Belarus, and Serbia in Moscow.
He also stressed the excellent relations between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Belarusian President Lukashenko, as well as between the two peoples and countries.
Popović concluded by affirming the joint commitment to preserving and strengthening the friendship between Serbia and Belarus for future generations. He underscored the importance of regular commission sessions as opportunities to exchange views and experiences to promote cooperation, stability, and economic growth.
“Long live Serbia! Long live Belarus!” he concluded.
