“This celebration also honours the longstanding friendship between Serbia and Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Grujić said. “A bond rooted in mutual respect, dignity and solidarity, as well as an unwavering commitment to international law, the UN Charter and the preservation of global peace through dialogue and the peaceful settlement of conflicts.”
He reaffirmed Serbia’s support for Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.
“We are confident Zimbabwe will contribute meaningfully to global peace and security in line with the principles that have always guided our partnership and our sincere commitment to multilateralism,” he said.
Forged in liberation, matured in partnership
Zimbabwe’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Prof. Dr Amon Murwira, who was the Guest of Honour, situated the relationship within the liberation history that binds the two nations.
“Today’s celebration carries profound significance as we commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Serbia,” he said. “This enduring bond was forged in the crucible of struggle, when Serbia, as part of Yugoslavia, provided vital technical, material and moral support to our freedom fighters. Such commitment to justice created a foundation of mutual respect that Zimbabwe will never forget.”
He emphasised a shared philosophy of sovereign equality.
“There is no big or small nation,” Prof. Murwira said. “There are nations — 193 of them in the United Nations. As developing countries navigating a complex global environment, we believe in a fair international system where nations support each other, not devour each other.”
Zimbabwe, he affirmed, supports Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the pursuit of peaceful diplomatic solutions in accordance with international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244.
Economic diplomacy takes centre stage
Both leaders made clear that the next phase of relations must be driven by economic engagement.
“Zimbabwe is open for business,” Prof. Murwira declared. “Economic diplomacy is the cornerstone of our global engagement. We are actively seeking strategic partnerships and joint ventures with Serbia that drive trade, investment and innovation.”
Ambassador Grujić echoed the emphasis.
“Economic cooperation remains a key driver,” he said. “We encourage stronger business links, investment and trade between our two countries.”
He highlighted Serbia’s macroeconomic stability and expanding ICT sector — now its top export industry worth nearly €4 billion — positioning Serbia as a technologically forward-looking partner. He also commended Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, describing both nations as development-oriented states pursuing modernisation through structured policy reform.
Education was underscored as a long-term investment in bilateral relations. Under the World in Serbia scholarship programme, 35 Zimbabwean students are currently studying in Serbia.
“We are investing in a future generation that will serve as a bridge of friendship and understanding,” Grujić said. “They will be true ambassadors of knowledge, science and humanity.”
Culture, people, global platforms
Looking ahead, both countries expressed anticipation for Expo 2027 Belgrade, which Serbia will host under the theme “Play for Humanity”. Zimbabwe has signalled its readiness to participate, viewing the expo as a platform to showcase innovation, heritage-based development and industrial potential.
Prof. Murwira concluded with a reminder that diplomacy extends beyond formal agreements.
“Diplomacy is not conducted by governments alone,” he said. “It is strengthened through culture and shared human experiences. Our success is recorded not in suits or ties, but in our people interacting.”
