Cooperation with the Republic of Congo oriented towards the future

“It gives me great pleasure that, in just a few months, we are hosting for the second time a friendly delegation from the Republic of Congo, which testifies to the dynamic development and growth of cooperation between our two countries,” Minister Đurić underlined.

“When we met here in Belgrade in April to discuss the history of our relations, we agreed that there are few countries in the world with such a prominent level of alignment on all key international issues. In the year when we mark the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter, I wish to publicly thank the Republic of Congo for its principled support to Serbia with regard to the status of Kosovo and Metohija. The Republic of Congo has shown itself to be one of the most principled countries on the African continent and in the international community when it comes to supporting our territorial integrity,” emphasized the Serbian Foreign Minister.

According to him, this is particularly important at a time when we can clearly see the consequences of unilateralism, that is, unilateral actions in international relations, as well as the consequences of violations of international law and the UN Charter.

“That is why we are grateful to you—because by safeguarding our position, you are also safeguarding international law and the international order, while at the same time helping us to preserve something that represents the very soul of our nation. Kosovo and Metohija is the soul of the Serbian people, as we noted in our meeting today, at which I also pointed out the extremely difficult situation of our people and the suffering they endure, being discriminated against solely on the basis of their national and religious identity,” Đurić said.

He underlined that cooperation with the Republic of Congo is oriented towards the future and focused on concrete projects in the fields of economy, defense, and education, expressing at the same time the wish that more Serbian tourists visit the Republic of Congo and vice versa.

“Within the framework of educational exchange, we wish to welcome Congolese students to come and benefit from studying and learning at our universities through the World in Serbia program. We are also extremely interested in launching, in the coming months, various other institutional processes, such as committees for economic cooperation and different agreements that will broaden our contractual framework,” Minister Đurić stressed.

The Serbian Foreign Minister used today’s meeting to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of the Republic of Congo to the Expo that will be held in Serbia in 2027, under the slogan Play for Humanity, which will gather more than 130 countries.

“We want the Republic of Congo, as one of our key partners on the African continent, to have a very prominent place at this event. I believe that Europe and the world have much to learn from our friends from the Republic of Congo in the fields of culture, science, and art. At the same time, this will be a wonderful opportunity for us to present ourselves to one another in a completely different light. Dear friends, here in Belgrade you are at home—your interests are our interests, and we are ready to support them always,” Đurić remarked.

Minister Đurić also noted that the Congolese delegation included the country’s candidate for Director-General of UNESCO, with whom he had the opportunity to discuss ways to further strengthen multilateral cooperation.

The Serbian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction at the opportunity to continue, together with Minister Gakosso, the historic mission that began during the era of President Tito and which, under the leadership of today’s presidents, is being further enhanced for the benefit of future generations.

Minister Gakosso recalled the ties between Serbia and Africa dating back to Tito’s time, stressing that the peoples of Africa cannot forget the support they received from former Yugoslavia in gaining independence and achieving emancipation through the Non-Aligned Movement.

Stating that the Republic of Congo is the gateway to Central Africa, he invited Serbia to strengthen its ties with that part of the continent by enhancing all forms of bilateral cooperation with his country.

Gakosso emphasized that the Republic of Congo advocates the strict observance of international law and gives its full support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, stressing in particular his country’s intention to advocate before the international community for the protection of Serbia’s cultural heritage and historical monuments in Kosovo and Metohija.