Djuric: Zimbabwe supports Serbia’s territorial integrity, relations enter a new phase

Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated, following talks with Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira, that the two countries are entering a new phase of relations, emphasizing that Zimbabwe consistently supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, including regarding the issue of Kosovo.

Djuric stressed that Serbia attaches exceptional importance to its relations with Zimbabwe, noting that this friendship dates back to the period of African nations’ struggle for freedom and independence, when the former Yugoslavia recognized the importance of cooperation with African peoples who opposed colonialism and imperialism.

He recalled that the foundations of relations between the two countries were established at that time, built on solidarity, mutual respect, and support, and that these relations have continued to the present day.

According to a statement from Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Djuric said that over the previous decades Zimbabwe had stood by Serbia at all important moments, and that it had consistently and principledly supported Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty in international organizations, from the United Nations to other multilateral forums.

Speaking about today’s talks, he said that important steps had been taken toward further strengthening bilateral relations, including the signing of cooperation agreements between the two foreign ministries, as well as between the diplomatic academies of Serbia and Zimbabwe.

He particularly highlighted the agreement on establishing a permanent commission for cooperation between Serbia and Zimbabwe, which, he said, would enable relations to be elevated to a strategic level, regular coordination among various ministries and institutions, as well as systematic planning of cooperation in the fields of economy, science, education, and defense.

Djuric expressed satisfaction with Zimbabwe’s decision to reopen its embassy in Belgrade and establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Serbia, assessing that this is a strong signal demonstrating the importance Zimbabwe attaches to relations with Serbia and that it will provide additional momentum for developing cooperation in tourism, economic exchange, and all other forms of connectivity between the two countries.

He recalled that Zimbabwe was recently elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the next two years, which, he emphasized, is of exceptional importance for Serbia, considering the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, UN Security Council Resolution 1244, and other important national interests for which Serbia needs the support of principled partners.

Djuric conveyed that during the talks he invited Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to visit Serbia, as well as conveying Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s message that he would be pleased to host him in Belgrade.

He emphasized that Serbia proudly preserves the legacy of the Non-Aligned Movement and recalled that a major commemorative gathering marking the 65th anniversary of the founding of the Non-Aligned Movement will be held in Belgrade in September, expressing the expectation that Zimbabwe will be represented at a high level.

As he added, Serbia and Zimbabwe share a high degree of agreement on the most important international issues, including the need to preserve peace, respect the principles of the United Nations Charter, the inviolability of borders, sovereign equality of states, and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries.

Given that Zimbabwe was among the first countries to support Serbia’s candidacy to host the Specialized Expo 2027 in Belgrade and confirmed its participation in the event, Djuric assessed that this will be an opportunity for the country to present its cultural wealth, sports, traditions, and other areas to the world.

He added that the upcoming presentation of the Expo exhibition in Harare will further contribute to promoting this important international event.

The minister particularly emphasized the importance of developing academic cooperation between the two countries and stated that Serbia expects 30 new scholarship recipients from Zimbabwe who will study in Serbia, assessing that this is the result of joint commitment to strengthening ties in the field of education.

Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amon Murwira stated that relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect, solidarity, and long-standing friendship, emphasizing that his talks with Djuric focused on further strengthening political dialogue, as well as cooperation in the fields of culture, education, science, and other areas of mutual interest.

Murwira reiterated Zimbabwe’s firm support for Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing its commitment to the principles of international law, peaceful coexistence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

He confirmed that Zimbabwe will re-establish a permanent diplomatic presence in Belgrade next year, assessing that this decision confirms the importance his country attaches to relations with Serbia.

Murwira highlighted the importance of the agreement on establishing a Joint Permanent Commission for cooperation between the two countries and expressed his belief that Zimbabwe’s participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade will further improve cooperation between Serbia and Zimbabwe in many areas.