Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
STRONG political relations between Zimbabwe and Serbia should be transformed into greater economic co-operation between the two countries, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira has said.
Prof Murwira on Thursday delivered a message from President Mnangagwa to the Serbian Prime Minister, Mr Duro Macut, in Belgrade, where the Zimbabwean leader thanked the European nation for supporting Zimbabwe’s bid for a non-permanent United Nations seat for the 2027–2028 term.
“We are in the Republic of Serbia, and today I presented my letters of appointment as Special Envoy of His Excellency President Mnangagwa to the Prime Minister of Serbia, as well as the message thanking the Republic of Serbia for its support of our quest for a non-permanent seat on the Security Council,” Professor Murwira said.
He added: “The meeting went very well. It was cordial and very open. We discussed several areas of co-operation, including the fact that we have excellent political relations. These excellent political relations are a good foundation for the next level of co-operation — in trade, tourism, education, science, technology, innovation and culture.”
Professor Murwira said they also emphasised the need to finalise instruments of co-operation and the importance of returning to a visa-free regime between Zimbabwe and Serbia.
“That is important for tourism. We also discussed deepening our co-operation in education, science, technology, innovation and culture. Serbia is among the top five countries in ICT innovation, and we believe co-operation in this area is very important.
“As you know, Serbia has awarded scholarships to more than 20 Zimbabweans who are studying here as part of its scholarship programme. We believe this area needs to be deepened and widened,” Professor Murwira said.
He added that the Government had also requested Serbia to spread the message of support for Zimbabwe’s candidature to its neighbours and friends in order to enhance Zimbabwe’s chances of securing an overwhelming number of votes in the election for the UNSC seat.
The election is scheduled for June 3, 2026.
