Mali meets with Saudi finance minister

RIYADH - Serbian Deputy PM and Finance Minister Sinisa Mali met with Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan in Riyadh on Wednesday to discuss advancement of bilateral cooperation and further steps to facilitate investor operations.

"We had an extremely constructive discussion about the steps we need to take together to facilitate investor operations in both countries.

We are planning to sign three important agreements with the country: an agreement on avoidance of double taxation, an agreement on cooperation in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing and an agreement on cooperation on customs policies to simplify customs procedures," said Mali, who is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement released by his ministry, Mali said there was great potential for expanding bilateral economic cooperation.

He also met with Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmed Al Khateeb to discuss tourism and investments as pillars of bilateral cooperation.

"There is much room for deeper cooperation, and one of the topics were possibilities for establishing direct flights between the two countries, which would further contribute to development of tourism," Mali said.

He added that he had requested Saudi Arabia's support for Serbia's bid to host Expo 2027, noting that it would be a great opportunity for Serbia and a confirmation of good economic results.