Djuric in Ghana: Support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty reaffirmed

Marko Đurić
Source: Kosovo Online

Summarizing his visit to Accra, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Djuric, stated today that the historic friendship between Serbia and Ghana has once again been reaffirmed, along with Ghana’s support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty—an especially important gesture. He also highlighted that the overwhelming majority of African countries have not recognized the independence of Kosovo and continue to uphold the principles of international law.

During his official visit to Ghana, Minister Djuric met with the President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Minister of Defence.

“We discussed cooperation in the defense industry with Ghana’s Minister of Defence. I believe there is significant potential for joint efforts in this area. Countries that share similar views and are committed to international law and the United Nations Charter should support one another in strengthening capacities for safeguarding stability in their respective regions,” Djuric told the press.

He emphasized that Ghana is one of the pillars of stability in West Africa.

“In a highly complex environment, Ghana makes a vital contribution to preserving global peace by ensuring stability in this part of the African continent. For Serbia, Ghana represents a gateway to the region in many respects,” the Serbian Foreign Minister added.

Djuric noted that he visited the Accra International Conference Center, originally constructed by Serbia’s Energoprojekt, and conveyed that Ghanaian hosts expressed interest in Serbian companies potentially participating—through Ghanaian financing—in the construction of a new convention center intended to serve as a venue for African Union gatherings.

He further highlighted Ghana’s economic potential, noting that it is the leading exporter of gold and cocoa in the region and possesses abundant natural resources—an opportunity for increased engagement by Serbian companies.

Minister Djuric conveyed to the President of Ghana the warm greetings of President Aleksandar Vučić, along with best wishes for success in implementing reforms and the introduction of a 24-hour economy aimed at boosting employment and GDP growth, currently standing at approximately 4.5%.

“These 34 million citizens of Ghana—one of Africa’s most respected nations—represent an entry point to a continent of 1.3 billion people. There is no need to explain what a comparative advantage it is for Serbia to have an embassy in Accra. There is deep respect here for Tito, dating back to the era of President Nkrumah of Ghana,” Djuric remarked.

He stressed that in Accra, a Serb feels welcome, respected, and understood, as Ghana recognizes Serbia’s identity, culture, and national principles.

“These people know what it means to be trampled upon, to have others attempt to impose their will—and what it means to resist that. In our pursuit of equality in our own region, we stand with those who fight for growth, development, and progress for their people. I am proud to represent Serbia here and to have such sincere friends as the people of Ghana,” Djuric underscored.

He also conveyed that President Mahama invited him to jointly visit the interior of the country and tour major infrastructure projects aimed at combating ocean intrusion—a consequence of climate change that is eroding Ghana’s coastline and threatening agriculture and communities. Djuric emphasized this as an opportunity for Serbian companies to take part in an investment cycle worth over $10 billion.

“We want to see cultural cooperation flourish as well, and let Serbia be a gateway for African culture to our continent. That will enhance our country’s standing and reputation in the wider international community. We are proud to have stood, decades ago, on the side of those who fought for emancipation, freedom, and independence—people who had long suffered under slavery and colonial rule,” Djuric said.

He stressed that this is one of the reasons why Serbia enjoys support across the African continent regarding the issue of Kosovo, where a convincing majority of countries have not recognized Kosovo’s independence and continue to uphold international law.

“There are many reasons for our presence here, and our cooperation will continue. I believe that just as Africa is the continent of the future—thanks to its young population and dynamic economy—Serbia, through its mindset, history, traditions, spirit of freedom, and independent policy, is also a country that understands the world it inhabits—and a country of the future,” Minister Djuric concluded.