Vucic receives Shahid

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received the Maldives' FM Abdulla Shahid on Wednesday.

Vucic said he was pleased that bilateral relations between the two countries were on a constant upward trajectory.

He thanked the friendly Maldives for its stance regarding Serbia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, which he said demonstrated a commitment to international law, the presidential press office said in a statement.

Speaking about economic cooperation, the parties agreed it was far below what was possible and noted a mutual interest in boosting diverse bilateral trade as well as cooperation in the field of agriculture, fisheries and tourism.

Vucic inquired about the Maldives' tourism development strategy, which has made the country one of the world's most attractive tourist destinations.

Vucic said he hoped Serbia would have the honour of welcoming the Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as soon as possible, which he said would lend an additional impetus to strengthening of bilateral relations.

Conveying Solih's regards, as well as his condolences following the mass shootings in Serbia, Shahid noted the significance of signed bilateral agreements as the foundation of development of cooperation between Serbia and the Maldives, the statement said.