The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, met today with Japanese Ambassador Takahiko Katsumata, with whom he exchanged notes on the entry into force of the Agreement between the Government of Serbia and Japan on the elimination of double taxation in relation to income taxes and prevention of tax evasion.

Minister Selaković stated that today, by exchanging notes on the entry into force of the Agreement on the Elimination of Double Taxation, an extremely important step was made in terms of further improvement of economic and investment cooperation, but also overall ties with friendly Japan.

"The signing and entry into force of this important bilateral agreement is in line with the current upward trend in economic cooperation between our two countries and with the growing interest of Japanese business circles for the presence in our market, new and significant contacts and the launching of large investment projects by renowned Japanese companies such as, among others, Yazaki, Toyo Tires and Nidek", said Selaković.

The head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that Japanese companies and investors, known for their diligence, dedication and high professionalism, are welcome in Serbia and that we are here to provide them with all the necessary assistance in new business ventures.

Selaković said that today's ceremony has additional significance and symbolism, because it precedes the celebration of the 140th anniversary of friendship between our two countries next year, adding that we in Serbia attach great importance to that jubilee, proud of the fact that Japan and Serbia have a very long tradition of mutual friendship, which a very small number of countries in the world can boast with.

"We believe that this important jubilee represents an excellent starting point for further comprehensive improvement of bilateral relations and strengthening of political dialogue, primarily through visits at the highest level, including visits by members of the Japanese royal family to Serbia, which we are very interested in", said the minister of foreign affairs.

Selaković expressed hope that in the coming period, with joint efforts, we will have many more significant high-level visits and even more intensive cooperation in all areas with a political dialogue characterized by understanding, solidarity and mutual respect, and that Serbia will be sincerely committed to that in the future as well.

He pointed out that Serbs and Japanese, regardless of geographical distance, nurture great mutual respect, sympathy and interest in learning about cultural and historical heritage and tradition, and that these are special ties that bring our two peoples closer and pave the way for strengthening overall cooperation.

"The Serbian and Japanese people were next to each other even in difficult moments. I take this opportunity to express my great gratitude for the exceptional solidarity and assistance that Japan has provided to the citizens of Serbia in the past two decades. The Serbian people will not forget that", Selaković concluded.