Zimbabwe and Serbia are poised to elevate their diplomatic and economic cooperation this year through a series of high-level ministerial exchanges and the conclusion of key developmental agreements, signalling a new era in relations between Harare and Belgrade.
Speaking to the media, Serbian Ambassador Radisa Grujic said the two countries were entering “a transformative phase of engagement” built on mutual respect and a shared vision for economic growth.
A major milestone in the strengthening partnership is the finalisation of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on diplomatic cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs.
Ambassador Grujic confirmed that “the technical hurdles have been cleared” and the legal framework is now ready for activation.
“The draft agreement has been approved by both parties, and we are now in the final phase of this endeavour,” he said. “We can begin planning the signing ceremony for the MOU, which will coincide with the forthcoming visit of the Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to Serbia.”
He added that Serbia will also dispatch several ministerial delegations to Zimbabwe later this year, with the reciprocal visits expected to widen cooperation across strategic portfolios and broaden the scope of existing bilateral agreements.
Beyond traditional diplomacy, progress is being recorded in agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT) and sports, where negotiations are advancing quickly. “There is open communication between the relevant ministries,” Ambassador Grujic said. “We are actively preparing the Memoranda of Understanding, and I am optimistic the documents will be approved in the coming months.”
The focus areas align with Zimbabwe’s development priorities, particularly efforts to modernise agriculture and accelerate digital transformation under national economic strategies.
Complementing Government-to-Government engagement, Serbia is expanding its investment in Zimbabwe’s human capital. This year, 31 Zimbabwean students have been awarded fully funded scholarships to study at the University of Belgrade, a substantial increase from previous intakes.
“We have completed the final technical procedures for issuing visas, and the tickets have been purchased,” he said. “We are organising an official send-off event next week to prepare the students for their transition to Serbia.”
The students, who selected fields of study based on national and personal priorities, are expected to return home and contribute to Zimbabwe’s development goals, including Vision 2030.
Ambassador Grujic said the educational exchange ensures that the strengthening Harare–Belgrade relationship delivers long-term, tangible benefits to the Zimbabwean people, adding that the revitalised partnership “is now positioned to yield lasting value for both nations.”
