Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
IN a clear indication of deepening diplomatic relations, Zimbabwe and Serbia are set to intensify bilateral cooperation through a series of high-level ministerial exchanges and the finalisation of key developmental agreements this year.
Speaking to the Zimpapers Politics Hub, Serbian Ambassador Radisa Grujic revealed that the two nations are entering a transformative phase of engagement, underpinned by mutual respect and a shared vision for economic growth.
Central to this strengthening partnership is a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on diplomatic cooperation between the respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs. According to Ambassador Grujic, the technical hurdles have been cleared and the legal framework is now ready for implementation.
“The draft agreement has been approved by both parties, and we are now in the final phase of this endeavour. Following this, we can begin planning the signing ceremony for the MOU, which will coincide with the forthcoming visit of the Zimbabwean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade to Serbia.”
Underscoring the warming ties, the Ambassador confirmed that a reciprocal series of ministerial-level visits to Zimbabwe are scheduled for later this year. These visits are expected to provide a platform to address strategic portfolios and broaden the scope of existing bilateral agreements.
Beyond traditional diplomacy, the cooperation is bearing fruit in technical and economic sectors. Ambassador Grujic said that negotiations are progressing rapidly in the fields of agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT) and sports.
“There is open communication between the relevant ministries, and we are actively preparing the Memoranda of Understanding. I am optimistic that these documents will be approved by both sides in the coming months, allowing for their signing during the ministerial visit,” he said.
The focus on agriculture and ICT aligns with Zimbabwe’s development strategies, as the country seeks to modernise its farming sector and bridge the digital divide through international partnerships.
Parallel to Government-to-Government talks, Serbia is making significant investments in Zimbabwe’s human capital. This year, the European nation has offered fully-funded scholarships to 31 Zimbabwean students to study at the prestigious University of Belgrade.
The Ambassador said that the scholarship programme has seen a significant increase in volume over the past year.
The students, who have been granted the freedom to choose fields of study based on their personal and national interests, are expected to serve as the bridge between the two cultures.
“We have completed the final technical procedures for issuing visas, and the tickets have been purchased. We are organising an official send-off event next week to prepare the students for their transition to Serbia,” Ambassador Grujic said.
Upon completion of their studies, the graduates are expected to return home to play a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s quest to achieve Vision 2030 and other key development initiatives.
The ambassador said this educational exchange ensures that the revitalised relationship between Harare and Belgrade yields long-term, tangible benefits for the Zimbabwean people.
