01 October 2014 – President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed the Philippines’ readiness to explore stronger economic cooperation with Serbia following the gains made by the Philippine economy in recent years.
This was the President’s response to the wish expressed by Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić to have greater cooperation between the two countries in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UN Climate Summit in New York on September 23.
President Nikolić said Serbia is now poised to explore further markets such as the Philippines after years of war and reconstruction.
Bilateral trade between the Philippines and Serbia remains minimal with 2013 figures amounting to US$ 1,678,101, making Serbia the 121st trading partner of the Philippines out of 216 countries. Total exports from the Philippines to Serbia amounted to US$ 525,793 while imports reached US$1,152,308.
President Aquino and President Nikolić also discussed possible cooperation on migration issues which are of mutual concern to them.
The two leaders extended invitations to visit each other’s countries. END