Vučić's Visit to Georgia: Embassy Plans, Free Trade Talks, EU-Related Dialogue
Aleksandar Vučić and Mikheil Kavelashvili, along with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, held meetings in Tbilisi focused on strengthening Serbia–Georgia cooperation in trade, diplomacy, and multiple sectors, including plans for a Free Trade Agreement, embassy openings, and support for Georgia’s EU aspirations.
On June 15, during a meeting at the Orbeliani Presidential Palace in Tbilisi, Aleksandar Vučić, the President of Serbia, held talks with Mikheil Kavelashvili, the President of Georgia, following an official welcoming ceremony. According to a statement published by Kavelashvili on social media, the discussions focused on the friendly relations between Georgia and Serbia, their cultural ties, shared values, current geopolitical developments, and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, technological, educational, and scientific fields. "Our cultural identity and the complex challenges facing both states create a strong basis for the further development of bilateral relations and for supporting each other’s positions on the international stage," Kavelashvili stated. He added that the talks also covered domestic political developments in both countries, as well as issues related to global peace, security, and stability.
On June 16, Vučić met with Irakli Kobakhidze, the Prime Minister of Georgia, at the government administration building in Tbilisi. The leaders held both a one-on-one meeting and an expanded session attended by members of the two governments. According to the Georgian government administration, the sides highlighted the importance of the Serbian president’s visit and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. The parties noted that Serbia’s decision to open an embassy in Tbilisi would contribute to closer political, economic, and cultural relations. Discussions also focused on negotiations concerning a Free Trade Agreement. The Georgian side emphasized that, as part of the Middle Corridor, Georgia is prepared to deepen cooperation with Serbia and help unlock additional transit and trade opportunities linking Europe and Asia. The talks additionally addressed Georgia’s European integration process. Kobakhidze reaffirmed the country’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations under agreements with the European Union and expressed hope that Serbia would continue supporting Georgia’s EU aspirations.
Speaking at a joint briefing, Kobakhidze described Vučić as a leader committed to protecting Serbia’s sovereignty and advancing the interests of its citizens. He emphasized that the visit was particularly significant as it marked the first visit to Georgia by a Serbian president. "It is a great honor for us to host Aleksandar Vučić," Kobakhidze stated. "This is a milestone event for our bilateral relations, and I am confident that it will give new impetus to Georgian-Serbian cooperation." Kobakhidze noted that relations between the two countries are built on longstanding friendship, mutual respect, people-to-people contacts, a shared Christian heritage, and common values. He also thanked Serbia for its continued support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. According to the prime minister, the discussions provided an opportunity to review key issues on the bilateral agenda and explore prospects for expanding political dialogue and cooperation.
At the same briefing, Vučić praised Georgia’s economic achievements and noted that few European countries have demonstrated comparable results in recent years. "Only a few countries have managed to achieve results in Europe like you have, and that is something to be very proud of," Vučić stated. He pointed to Georgia’s economic growth since 2012, highlighting the country’s performance in areas such as construction, tourism, and overall economic development. According to Vučić, Georgia’s first-quarter economic growth rate of 9.3 percent and the 12 percent expansion recorded in the construction sector stand out by European standards. He emphasized that such figures would be considered exceptional even in Western Europe and said Serbia could learn from Georgia’s experience. The Serbian president also thanked the Georgian leadership for its efforts to safeguard national interests, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He stated that many countries closely observe Georgia’s policies and achievements.
Vučić announced that a Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and Georgia is expected to be signed in the near future. He noted that bilateral trade increased by 36.4 percent during the first quarter and said cooperation in tourism and services has expanded with the introduction of direct flights between the two countries. "We are only a small step away from completing negotiations and, after signing the agreement, starting active trade under it," Vučić stated. He added that the agreement would create new opportunities for businesses, producers, and consumers in both countries and facilitate greater access for Georgian goods and services to the Serbian market. The Serbian president also confirmed that Serbia would soon open an embassy in Georgia and expressed hope that Georgia would establish a diplomatic mission in Serbia in the future. According to Vučić, stronger diplomatic representation would further deepen bilateral cooperation and promote the interests of both countries. He further highlighted the strong emotional and cultural connection between the Georgian and Serbian peoples, citing tourism, interpersonal ties, and shared Orthodox Christian traditions. Vučić recalled his meeting with Patriarch Shio III and described the relationship between the two nations as brotherly. Concluding his remarks, Vučić praised Georgia’s tourism infrastructure and economic progress, noting that he was impressed by the country’s ski resorts in addition to its well-known wine tourism sector. "I wish success to Georgia in the future. Your efforts are truly admirable," Vučić stated, thanking the Georgian side for its hospitality and expressing hope that future visits between the two countries would continue to strengthen bilateral relations.