Djuric: Serbia grateful to Malawi for support of territorial integrity; Chaponda: Participation at Expo a unique opportunity

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric stated, after signing a Memorandum of Understanding on political consultations with Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs George Chaponda, that Serbia is grateful to Malawi for supporting the territorial integrity of our country and that Serbia continues the Yugoslav policy of cooperation with African countries.

Djuric expressed satisfaction with the opportunity to host a high-level delegation from Malawi, saying that Serbia has had friendly relations with that country since the time of the Non-Aligned Movement.

“I can proudly say that Serbia continues the Yugoslav policy in the field of building friendships with African countries”, the minister said.

He added that Serbia’s history with African countries significantly differs from the typical European relationship toward that part of the world.

Djuric stated that the talks with Chaponda were productive and cordial, and that both sides confirmed their readiness to deepen relations.

“I would especially like to thank Malawi for its support of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. I can say that it has been confirmed that on issues of international relations we have very similar policies”, Djuric said.

He emphasized that the goals of cooperation have been raised to a higher level and that the two countries will also enhance economic cooperation. Serbia wants to open the Malawi market to its companies, the minister added, noting that stronger contacts in the field of education have also been agreed upon, including additional scholarships for ten students from Malawi.
Djuric also said that Malawi has confirmed its participation at the Expo in Belgrade next year.

“I expressed satisfaction with the fact that Malawi has confirmed its participation at Expo 2027. For us, this is a key development project. I am very pleased that Malawi, as a country close to us, will have the opportunity to present its heritage and opportunities for further cooperation to the European political and economic elite”, the minister added.

Djuric thanked Minister Chaponda and said that Serbia wants to be a second home to the citizens of that country, as well as to the entire African region.

In recent years, relations between Serbia and Malawi have been further strengthened by high-level visits, and cooperation has been improved in the fields of education, agriculture, sports and security, among other sectors, Malawi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs said in his address.

Chaponda added that memorandums of cooperation in the fields of education and agriculture will be signed tomorrow.

Speaking about the Memorandum on political consultations, Chaponda pointed out that it will enable consultations to be held on a rotating basis and open the door to signing new agreements.

“We consider Serbia a potential economic partner”, he said, inviting Minister Djuric and Serbian businesspeople to visit Malawi.

He also pointed out that Malawi possesses significant mineral resources, adding that the country can also benefit from Serbia’s experience in agriculture.

The minister emphasized that Malawi also has great tourism potential and is known as the “Warm Heart of Africa”, and highlighted fish as a special national delicacy.

Participation at Expo in Belgrade, Chaponda stated, will be a unique opportunity for Malawi to present its advantages on the international stage.

Minister Chaponda will stay in Serbia until Saturday.