Egypt’s Ambassador to Serbia, Basel Salah, expressed optimism about the significant developments anticipated in 2025, particularly regarding large infrastructure projects for the Expo and a substantial boost in trade relations between the two countries. He highlighted that the Free Trade Agreement, signed in Cairo in July 2024, will soon be ratified by both nations’ parliaments, leading to a surge in trade volume, especially in sectors such as agriculture and industrial products.
Salah shared his enthusiasm about the upcoming Free Trade Zone, stating, “Customs duties will decrease from 40% to zero, marking a major step forward in bilateral trade.” He anticipated that this agreement would lead to a noticeable increase in trade during the first quarter of 2025.
During the visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to Egypt in July 2024, both Presidents, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Vučić, urged officials to enhance mutual bilateral visits to strengthen political and economic cooperation. The Egyptian ambassador emphasized that this direction would be pursued in 2025 with high-level official visits expected to further solidify relations between Serbia and Egypt.
Salah also expressed excitement about Serbia’s progress in 2025, particularly with the implementation of major infrastructure projects. He underscored the importance of developments in roads and railways, particularly in the lead-up to Expo 2027. In addition, he looked forward to the continuation of Serbia’s negotiations with the EU in Cluster 3 and the country’s eventual membership in the European Union.
On the global political stage, Salah predicted “tectonic shifts” with the return of Donald Trump to the White House. He expressed hope for a potential resolution to the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict and peace in the Middle East. He called for an end to the violence in Gaza and the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and secure Palestinian state coexisting alongside Israel.
Salah concluded by expressing hope for the normalization of Israeli-Lebanese relations and the beginning of a new era of diplomacy in the region, which would foster peace and security for all.
