Bozay: Serbia has central role in region

BELGRADE - Turkey is focusing on cooperation with Serbia due to the country's central role in the region and its clear legislative framework, Turkish Ambassador to Serbia Mehmet Kemal Bozay said on Friday.

Turkey is ready to work on communication among the chambers of commerce of Serbia, Kosovo and Turkey, Bozay said during a meeting with the head of the Serbian government's Office for Kosovo-Metohija Marko Djuric.

The work of the Office for Kosovo-Metohija is watched throughout the region, Bozay said, adding that, since the start of Djuric's tenure, there has been significant progress in the process aimed at normalising relations thanks to a measured approach and an orientation towards results.

Despite insufficient cooperation from Pristina, there has indeed been progress in the past period, a statement from the Office for Kosovo-Metohija quoted Djuric as saying.

The economy offers good leverage for action and, for the first time ever, we now have an opportunity for important factors, including Belgrade, to work together towards improving the economic situation and boosting the investment climate in Kosovo-Metohija, Djuric also said.

The north of Kosovo-Metohija has long been marginalised in terms of investments and a presence of major investors would be a signal to others as well, he noted.

Photo Tanjug Video (archive)