The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somalia, H.E. Abdisalam Abdi Ali, met in Belgrade with his Serbian counterpart, H.E. Marko Djuric, to discuss ways of deepening bilateral relations.
Their talks underscored Somalia and Serbia commitment to building on their historic friendship while expanding cooperation in key sectors such as economy, agriculture, construction, and education.
Building on Somalia and Serbia Historic Friendship
During the discussions, Minister Abdisalam highlighted the importance of the meeting, emphasizing that Somalia and Serbia share a longstanding relationship rooted in mutual respect and international cooperation.
“We discussed bilateral relations and international issues, recalling the long-standing friendship between Somalia and Serbia,” he said.
Minister Djuric echoed this sentiment, stressing that Serbia is proud of its history with Somalia and is determined to advance cooperation across multiple fields, particularly in areas that contribute to sustainable development.
Opportunities for Economic and Agricultural Cooperation
One of the main priorities of the talks was economic collaboration.
Both ministers explored avenues for boosting trade and investment, with Somalia seeking to benefit from Serbia’s expertise in agriculture and construction.
- Somalia, with its vast arable land and growing demand for food security solutions, could benefit from Serbian agricultural technology and expertise.
- Meanwhile, Serbian companies may find opportunities in Somalia’s expanding construction sector, as the country rebuilds its infrastructure and urban centers.
Education and Capacity Building
The two sides also discussed ways to enhance educational cooperation, including student exchanges, scholarships, and joint academic programs.
This initiative is seen as a critical step in strengthening people-to-people connections and preparing Somali youth to play a key role in national development.
Joint International Projects
Beyond bilateral efforts, Somalia and Serbia expressed interest in pursuing joint international initiatives. This includes cooperation within the United Nations framework and other multilateral platforms where both countries can support each other’s interests and contribute to global stability.
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Serbian-Somali Relations: A Growing Partnership
Both nations share a history that dates back to the era of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), when both nations supported principles of sovereignty, independence, and peaceful coexistence.
Today, this legacy provides a foundation for modern diplomatic and economic collaboration.
- In recent years, Serbia has expanded its outreach in Africa, and Somalia’s strategic location in the Horn of Africa makes it a valuable partner.
- Strengthening ties also aligns with Somalia’s foreign policy goals of diversifying partnerships and attracting new allies for reconstruction and economic development.
Looking Ahead
Belgrade talks mark an important milestone in revitalizing Somali-Serbian relations, with both governments expressing optimism about future cooperation.
By combining Serbia’s expertise with Somalia’s development priorities, the partnership has the potential to deliver tangible benefits in trade, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
Source: SONNA
