During a meeting in Belgrade earlier today, in the presence of Ambassador of Egypt to Serbia Basel Salah, Talaat briefed the Serbian official on prominent projects pursued in Egypt as part of its digital strategy, which seeks to digitize government services, encourage technological innovation, and enhance citizens' digital skills, according to a statement by the Egyptian ministry.

He said Egypt's ICT industry is one of the most promising sectors, expressing a mutual interest in holding more talks to enhance cooperation in all areas of common interest.

During another meeting with Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of Serbia Jelena Begović, Talaat also discussed how to boost joint cooperation for implementing AI skills development programs and AI research and development projects.

He also posted the Serbian official on the government's efforts to promote the use of AI, as well as the goals and objectives of Egypt National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.

Meanwhile, Begović invited the ICT minister to an international conference on artificial intelligence Serbia will host in cooperation with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) next month.

Accompanied by the Egyptian ambassador, Talaat and Begović made a tour of the Science and Technology Park Belgrade (STP), which hosts the Business & Technology Incubator of Technical Faculties that offers support programs to help startups, and an Innovation Fund that provides financial instruments through the early development program.

Begović reviewed the programs offered by her ministry to support startups, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while Talaat gave an outline of his ministry's programs and initiatives to promote a culture of creativity and support digital innovation and entrepreneurship all across the country.

During his current visit to Serbia, Talaat and the Serbian officials have agreed to bolster cooperation between the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA), the Egyptian business arm of MCIT, and the Science and Technology Park in Belgrade.