Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt and Serbia usher in a new chapter of friendship and cooperation
Egypt welcomed a meaningful moment in its international relations today, as Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly received Serbia’s Prime Minister, Djuro Macut, in his first official foreign visit since taking office.
Meeting at Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, the leaders honored a long-standing friendship while laying out an ambitious roadmap for deepening cooperation.
At the heart of the visit was the activation of the freshly ratified Egypt-Serbia Free Trade Agreement. This landmark deal signals a turning point for both countries, as they look to unlock new economic potential together. Trade volume already reflects this hopeful future: in just two years, bilateral trade has leapt from $94 million in 2022 to nearly $300 million in 2024. As Dr. Madbouly noted with pride, “We are keen to see our economic ties thrive, especially now that the agreement is entering into force.”
The Free Trade Agreement, signed in late May, pledges to gradually remove tariffs and quantitative restrictions on imports and exports, paving the way for freer movement of goods and services. It also lays the foundation for expanded cooperation in investment, joint projects, technology transfer, and dispute resolution, aiming to spark further trade growth and cross-border investment.
Both prime ministers emphasized the spirit of mutual understanding that animated their talks, and looked ahead to new partnerships in manufacturing, agriculture, food security, tourism, and cultural exchange. Given Serbia’s strong agricultural sector, the two countries will work closely to boost exports and bolster food security, with their agriculture ministers tasked with turning shared ambitions into reality.
Later, at the Egyptian-Serbian Business Forum, business leaders from both countries explored investment opportunities—including within Egypt’s vibrant Suez Canal Economic Zone and its emerging renewable energy and green hydrogen industries. Dr. Madbouly welcomed Serbian companies to seize Egypt’s “golden licenses,” new industrial zones, and improved transport systems, noting that Egypt’s global free trade network now opens doors to more than 3 billion consumers worldwide.
Tourism was another joyful highlight of the visit, with plans to expand direct flights and promote cultural exchanges—building on the warmth created by recent high-level visits and growing connections between the two nations’ airlines.
On regional and international matters, the leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, respect for sovereignty, and stability—especially regarding the Middle East and Western Balkans. Dr. Madbouly expressed gratitude for Serbia’s support for Palestine’s full United Nations membership and reiterated Egypt’s unwavering advocacy for a two-state solution.
Mr Macut shared that there is strong interest among Serbian businesses in expanding cooperation with Egyptian investors. With more than 40 Egyptian-owned companies already operating in Serbia and increasing joint manufacturing projects in Egypt, there is a solid foundation for further collaboration. He noted Serbia’s stable, investment-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and key strategic location, especially as it seeks to be a regional leader in technology and as part of the Open Balkan Initiative.
Looking ahead, Prime Minister Macut warmly invited Egyptian businesses to participate in the Expo in Belgrade in 2027, seeing it as an excellent opportunity to deepen economic ties and explore new avenues for collaboration.
He concluded by affirming both countries’ commitment to increasing economic exchange—which has already reached $122 million—and to building a “new partnership and more cooperation,” with a vision of both Serbian products in Egypt and more Egyptian investors in Serbia.