Djuric from Benin: Serbia is positioning itself as one of the bridges between Europe and Africa

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric stated today from Benin that this visit represents yet another additional impetus for Serbia’s presence in Africa, noting that strengthening ties with countries like Benin is one piece of the puzzle in the overall picture of Serbia's relations with Africa—which is also important due to the Kosovo issue.

Djuric emphasized that Benin is a fantastic country of opportunities, developing at a growth rate of more than 7% annually, strategically located between large countries in terms of both population and resources, while also being an "oasis of political stability and peace."

"I believe we are highly complementary for cooperation. Serbian industry, high technology, and the defense sector have a lot to offer in this part of the world, especially in friendly Benin, with which we have decades-long traditions of ties that we have somewhat neglected in recent years. That is now changing, and this visit to Benin gives another boost to Serbia's overall presence in Africa, a revival of the friendship traditions dating back to the time of President Tito. Today’s modern Serbia, which—thanks to the vision of President Vucic—has become a leader in economic development in our region, is catching up with a continent that represents, both demographically and economically, through its growth rate, a huge opportunity for all of Europe. That is why I would say that strengthening relations with countries such as Benin is one piece of the broader mosaic of Serbia’s engagement with Africa," the Serbian Foreign Minister stated.

Djuric stressed that these ties are important not only because of Kosovo, but also for positioning within Europe, as Serbia, he noted, is positioning itself as one of the bridges between Europe and Africa through such relations.

"As one of the bridges between our continent and a continent which, by all parameters, is a space of enormous potential. The doors have opened for our economy, concrete progress has been made on nationally important topics, and I am taking away very positive impressions from here," Djuric said.

He announced the continuation of political exchanges between the two countries, agreements on cooperation in the fields of culture and defense, and reminded that Benin will participate in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade.

"This visit was very intense, including meetings with numerous ministers and key political figures. We now have a clear picture of a new Serbia that is advancing and developing. I believe we also dispelled some of the negative propaganda that others have tried to spread about us in this part of Africa," concluded Minister Djuric.

Earlier in Porto-Novo, Djuric met with the President of the Parliament of Benin, Louis Vlavonou, with whom he discussed enhancing inter-parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

In a constructive conversation, the minister expressed hope that his visit to Benin and meetings with senior officials would give new momentum to cooperation and partnership.

Special attention was given to the importance of parliamentary cooperation and maintaining regular dialogue, with the Serbian Foreign Minister emphasizing that inter-parliamentary ties are a key segment that can contribute to strengthening and intensifying relations between the two countries.

In that context, he also highlighted the importance of parliamentary friendship groups, expressing hope that such groups will be formed in both parliaments in the near future.

He conveyed greetings from the President of the National Assembly of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, as well as an invitation for an official visit to Serbia as soon as possible.

"Upon my return to Belgrade, we will formally submit an initiative to establish a Serbia–Benin parliamentary friendship group," stated Minister Djuric, according to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia.

The discussion also addressed the potential for enhancing economic cooperation, as well as collaboration in specific areas such as agriculture, culture, education, and sports.

Djuric particularly praised the diplomatic efforts of his Beninese counterpart, Bakari, who, he noted, has found a way to connect the two countries.