Turkey, Serbia relations at peak: Interior Min.

By Talha Ozturk and Lejla Biogradlija

BELGRADE, Serbia

The relations between Turkey and Serbia stand at the peak, Turkish interior minister said on Thursday.

“Turkey-Serbia relations are at their peak. This is the most significant outcome of the cooperation, sincerity and friendship between President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his noble friend Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic," Suleyman Soylu told Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of his official visit to Serbian capital Belgrade.

On Wednesday’s meeting with his Serbian counterpart Nebojsa Stefanovic, Soylu said they discussed counter-terrorism, cooperation in security, and other common issues, including the fight against drug-trafficking and irregular migration.

Turkey also reiterated determination for cooperation in areas of culture, trade and infrastructure, Soylu added.

The two ministers signed a letter of intent for joint cooperation between the Turkish and Serbian interior ministries, he stated.

‘Turkey grateful to Serbia for FETO stance’

Soylu hailed Serbia's stance on the 2016 defeated coup in Turkey and the fight against the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO).

FETO and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gulen orchestrated the defeated coup in Turkey on July 15, 2016 which left 251 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

"Serbia extended unwavering support to Ankara in the aftermath of the July 15. It is a step forward from all the countries across the world in its fight against FETO schools and organizations.

“This makes Turkey grateful to Serbia," Soylu said.

As part of the visit, Soylu met Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, and Deputy Prime Minister Rasim Ljajic, who is also the the Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Minister, as well.

"We had the opportunity to review our relations. We expressed our gratitude to Serbians for their support in combating against FETO. We thank all the people of Serbia," Soylu stated.