Zimbabwe and Serbia have agreed to elevate their longstanding relations by establishing a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation and reopening Zimbabwe’s embassy in Belgrade next year.
Speaking after bilateral talks with his Serbian counterpart, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Đurić, in Belgrade, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Proffesor Amon Murwira, said the two countries had agreed to institutionalise their partnership to unlock greater opportunities in trade, investment, education, science and technology, tourism and diplomatic cooperation.
“Zimbabwe and Serbia are ushering in a new chapter of cooperation built on decades of friendship and anchored on mutual respect, solidarity, sovereign equality and international law,” said Prof. Murwira.
He said the establishment of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation would provide a structured platform to advance relations in areas of mutual interest while Zimbabwe’s decision to reopen its embassy in Belgrade next year reflected Harare’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic engagement with Serbia.
“We have agreed on landmark outcomes, including the establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, the reopening of Zimbabwe’s Embassy in Belgrade next year, and strengthened collaboration in trade, investment, tourism, education, science and technology, culture, peace and security, and diplomatic training.
We are grateful for Serbia’s support during Zimbabwe’s successful campaign for election to the United Nations Security Council, saying the country remained committed to promoting a peaceful, inclusive and rules-based international order,” he added.
Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Marko Đurić, described the bilateral talks as productive and said the agreements reached signalled the beginning of a new phase in relations between the two countries.
“Zimbabwe and Serbia are entering a new phase of cooperation following productive bilateral talks in Belgrade.
We have agreed to establish a Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation, signed agreements between our foreign ministries and diplomatic academies, and we warmly welcome Zimbabwe’s decision to reopen its Embassy in Belgrade next year,” he said.
Minister Đurić congratulated Zimbabwe on its election to the United Nations Security Council, saying Serbia looked forward to closer engagement with Harare on global issues.
“We congratulate Zimbabwe on its election to the United Nations Security Council and reaffirm Serbia’s appreciation for Zimbabwe’s principled support in international forums.
“We also extend an invitation to His Excellency President Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to attend the 65th anniversary commemorations of the Non-Aligned Movement in Belgrade next month,” he said.
The latest agreements are expected to strengthen political and economic ties between the two countries while creating new opportunities for cooperation in diplomacy, trade and investment.
