Serbia considers Africa a vital direction for developing relations and plans to enhance cooperation with African countries, stated Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric during his visit to Benin. This was reported by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The minister expressed his satisfaction that his trip to Benin marked the first official visit of a Serbian diplomatic chief to this African country.
"Serbia aims to deepen partnerships with African nations and expand its presence in West Africa. It is significant that cooperation with Africa is regarded as one of the key opportunities for our development, given that this continent shows the highest economic and demographic growth," the statement read.
Djuric also pointed out that friendly relations between Serbia and African countries began to be established during the Yugoslav era, with Josip Broz Tito's involvement in the Non-Aligned Movement. Under the leadership of President Aleksandar Vucic, Serbia intends to continue fostering these relations and contribute to the faster economic progress of African nations.
"Serbia insists on a policy of combating colonialism and conducts a multilateral foreign policy based on equality and mutual respect, as it does with its partners in Europe and around the world," the minister emphasized.
Djuric also reported having held meetings with members of the Beninese government, including ministers of defense, culture, and tourism. During his visit, he plans to meet with the minister of sports, the foreign minister, parliament representatives, and the country's top leadership.
In April, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Benin met with his counterpart from Kazakhstan, where they agreed to develop relations under the "One Belt, One Road" initiative.
