Đurić: Serbia Proud of Its Traditional Friendship with African States

Minister Đurić recalled that Serbia, only two decades after liberation from fascist occupation, as a country recovering economically and strengthening its institutions, sought to promote and support the values of freedom and independence in other parts of the world, noting that Belgrade was the birthplace of the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961.

He stressed that, within the same historical context, the African continent, through the processes of liberation and the establishment of independent states, was acquiring a new political framework with the significant support of the former Yugoslavia, whose successor today is Serbia.

According to him, the friendship between Serbia and African countries has been built over decades and represents one of the cornerstones of Serbian foreign policy.

“The task entrusted to us as members of the Government, both by the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, is to work so that Serbia becomes the best friend of African countries in Europe,” Đurić stated.

He added that Serbia views cooperation with the countries of the African continent and the member states of the Non-Aligned Movement as one of the principal comparative advantages of its foreign policy, expressing confidence that the future belongs to African nations, as well as to countries such as Serbia that are capable of adapting to new circumstances and serving as bridges between continents, civilizations, and ideologies in a highly challenging era.

The head of Serbian diplomacy expressed gratitude to the African states that support Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty with regard to Kosovo and Metohija, as well as to the countries participating in Expo 2027 Belgrade, which he assessed would transform the face of Belgrade and Serbia for the better.

“May the friendship between Serbia and the states of Africa endure forever,” Đurić stated.

The ceremony was also attended by Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut, Algerian Ambassador to Serbia and Dean of the Group of African Ambassadors in Belgrade Fatah Mahraz, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps of African states.

Africa Day is observed on May 25, and since 2017 Serbia has officially commemorated this date as the Day of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa.