Foreign relations of Serbia


Foreign relations of Serbia are accomplished by efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Serbia has inherited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with all of its holdings, after the dissolution of the previous state union with Montenegro. Serbian foreign ministries continue to serve citizens of Montenegro in countries that do not have Montenegrin diplomatic presence. The governments of Serbia and Montenegro expressed an interest in pursuing a common foreign policy. Former President of Serbia Boris Tadić referred to relations with the European Union, Russia, United States and China as the four pillars of foreign policy. Serbia joined the United Nations on 1 November 2000.

Bilateral relations

Serbia has established diplomatic relations with 191 UN member states, the Holy See and Palestine, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and the European Union.
Serbia has not established diplomatic relations with:
Ever since the times of Josip Broz Tito and the Non-Aligned Movement, Serbia has enjoyed excellent relations with African nations. Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa are Serbia's closest allies in Sub-Saharan Africa. South Africa and Serbia have had excellent relations since the signing of diplomatic relations in 1992 following the end of the Apartheid system. Many ANC and Umkhonto we Sizwe resistance fighters received training in Serbia during Apartheid. South Africa is also home to around 20,000 Serbs, mainly living in the Johannesburg area. South Africa is also voicing support for Serbia over the Kosovo issue. Nelson Mandela was also made an honorary citizen of Belgrade. Serbia is also actively involved in many investments in Angola with whom it has excellent political and economic relations.
CountryFormal relations beganNotes
1962See Algeria-Serbia relations
  • Formal relations started in 1962
  • Algeria has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Algiers since 1962.
1975See Angola–Serbia relations
  • Serbia has an embassy in Luanda and Angola has an embassy in Belgrade.
1962Diplomatic relations between Benin and Serbia were established in 1962.
1970
Diplomatic relations between Botswana and Serbia were established in 1970.
1968
Diplomatic relations between Burkina Faso and Serbia were established in 1968.
1962
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1962.
1976
1960
Diplomatic relations between Cameroon and Serbia were established in 1960.
1960
Diplomatic relations between Central African Republic and Serbia were established in 1960.
1966
Diplomatic relations between Chad and Serbia were established in 1966.
1976
Diplomatic relations between Comoros and Serbia were established in 1976.
1961
  • Serbia has an embassy in Kinshasa and DR Congo has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • The Foreign Ministry of DR Congo visited Belgrade in 2011 and the Foreign Ministry of Serbia visited Kinshasa in 2009.
1964Diplomatic relations between Republic of the Congo and Serbia were established in 1964.
1968
Diplomatic relations between Côte d'Ivoire and Serbia were established in 1968.
1978
Diplomatic relations between Djibouti and Serbia were established in 1978.
See Egypt-Serbia relations
  • Egypt has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Cairo.
2012Diplomatic relations between Eritrea and Serbia were established in 2012.
1952See Ethiopia–Serbia relations
1970
Diplomatic relations between Equatorial Guinea and Serbia were established in 1978.
1960
1965
Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1965.
1957

  • Guinea has an embassy in Belgrade.
1975Diplomatic relations between Guinea-Bissau and Serbia were established in 1975. Guinea-Bissau supports Serbia's position regarding Kosovo, and prime minister Umaro Sissoco Embaló visited Belgrade in November 2017 to expand trade relations and affirm his nation's position on Kosovo.
1963
  • Serbia has an embassy in Nairobi, Kenya has an honorary consulate in Belgrade.
1972Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1972.
1959
Diplomatic relations between Liberia and Serbia were established in 1959.
1955See Libya–Serbia relations
  • Libya has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Since 1963, Serbia has an embassy in Tripoli.
1968
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1968.
  • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 1998Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1998.
    1961

    Serbia is represented in Mauritania by its embassy in Rabat.
    1969
    Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1969.
    1978
    Diplomatic relations between Mozambique and Serbia were established in 1975.
    1990Diplomatic relations between Namibia and Serbia were established in 1990.
    See Namibia–Serbia relations
    1960
    • Serbia has an embassy in Abuja and honorary consulates in Kano and Lagos. Nigeria has an embassy in Belgrade.
    1971Diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Serbia were established in 1971.
    1977
    Diplomatic relations between São Tomé and Príncipe and Serbia were established in 1977.
    1961
    Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1961.
    1977
    • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1977.
    • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    1961Diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Serbia were established in 1961.
    1960
    See Somalia–Serbia relations
    2 April 1992
    See South Africa–Serbia relations
    • Serbia has an embassy in Pretoria.
    • South Africa is represented in Serbia through its embassy in Athens.
    *
    1956Diplomatic relations between Sudan and Serbia were established in 1956.
    4 January 2012
    1968
    • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1968.
    • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    1961Diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Serbia were established in 1961.
    1960
    Diplomatic relations between Togo and Serbia were established in 1960.
    1957
    • Serbia has an embassy in Tunis.
    • Tunisia has an embassy in Belgrade.
    1963Diplomatic relations between Uganda and Serbia were established in 1963.
    1964
    • Serbia has an embassy in Lusaka
    1980See Zimbabwe–Serbia relations
    • Serbia has an embassy in Harare
    • Zimbabwe has an embassy in Belgrade
    • Robert Mugabe described Serbia as Zimbabwe's only foreign ally in 2014
    • Zimbabwe also sided with Serbia during the breakup of Yugoslavia. This was solidified in Mugabe's visit to Belgrade in 1996.
    • Bilateral trade between Serbia and Zimbabwe amounted to 1 million euros in 2011, exclusively imports from Zimbabwe.

    America

    Serbia has strong but strained relations with the United States and a bit more relaxed relations with Canada, because of their hostile recognition of Kosovo's independence and NATO bombing from 1999, which aimed to help this secession. On 25 February 2008, Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Koštunica demanded that the United States rescind its recognition of Kosovo, warning that "there will be no stability until the fake state" is annulled.
    Serbia has very good relations with Latin America, except Colombia and Panama, which did recognize Kosovo's independence. Brazil, the largest country in the region, decided not to recognize Kosovo's independence until an agreement with Serbia is reached.
    CountryFormal relations beganNotes
    1928See Argentina–Serbia relations
    • Diplomatic relations between Serbia and Argentina existed before the Second World War and were restored in 1946.
    • Serbia has an embassy in Buenos Aires
    • Argentina has an embassy in Belgrade.
    1988
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in July 1988.
  • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • November 1977
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in November 1977.
    • 1952
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1952.
    • 1946See Brazil–Serbia relations
  • Brazil has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Brasília.
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in December 1966.
  • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 30 May 1941See Canada–Serbia relations
  • Canada has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Ottawa and a consulate general in Toronto and honorary consuls.
  • There are around 150,000 people of Serbian descent living in Canada.
    • 1935
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations 1935. They were renewed in 1946. Diplomatic relations were broken off on two occasions, in 1947 and 1973, and the last renewal was in March 1990.
  • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 1966
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in December 1966.
  • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 1952
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1952.
  • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 1951See Cuba–Serbia relationsCuba and Serbia have a long history of diplomatic relations from the period of Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia when both countries were members of Non-Aligned Movement. Cuba supports Serbia in its stance towards Kosovo considering Kosovo's independence an illegitimate act and a violation of international law and principles of the United Nations Charter. Serbia supports Cuba at the United Nations in condemning the United States embargo.
    2010
    1983
    • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1983.
    1956
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1956.
    • 1956
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1956.
    • July 1978
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in July 1978.
    • 1987
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1987.
    • 5 November 1968
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations on 5 November 1968.
  • Serbia is represented in Guyana through its embassy in Washington, D.C.
    • 1984
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1984.
    • 1953
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1953.
    • 1968
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1968.
    • 24 May 1946See Mexico–Serbia relations
  • Mexico has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Mexico City.
    • 1979
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1979.
    • 1956
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1953.
  • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 1950Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1950.

    • Diplomatic relations between then Yugoslavia and Peru existed before the Second World War. They were renewed in 1967.
    *
    2011
    1976
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1976.
    • 1974
  • Both countries established diplomatic relations in 1974.
  • Both countries have a number of bilateral agreements.
    • 14 October 1881See Serbia–United States relationsPrior to World War I and creation of Yugoslavia, Serbia and the US enjoyed excellent relations.
    Bilateral relations between Serbia and the United States were established in 1881. At the outset of hostilities between NATO and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in the spring of 1999, the United States and Yugoslavia severed diplomatic relations. After the overthrow of the Milosevic government in October 2000, the following month the United States reestablished a diplomatic presence. The U.S. Embassy formally reopened in May 2001. The Serbian Embassy in Washington and the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade have reestablished bilateral relations and provide a full range of consular services. In February 2008 Serbia recalled its ambassador from the United States, following the U.S. recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo. The US established full diplomatic relations at Ambassador level with the Republic of Kosovo, which broke away from Serbia in February 2008.
    1950
    • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in September 1950.
    • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    1951See Serbia-Venezuela relations
  • Serbia is represented in Venezuela through its embassy in Brasília.
  • Venezuela is represented in Serbia through its embassy in Belgrade.
  • In 2007, Serbia exported goods worth €33,000 to Venezuela, while Venezuelan exports totaled €158,000.
  • After the 2008 Kosovo declaration of independence, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced that Venezuela does not recognise Kosovo's independence on the grounds that it has been achieved through U.S. pressure and criticised a recent political movement calling out for a more autonomous Zulia state. He said "This cannot be accepted. It's a very dangerous precedent for the entire world.". On 24 March 2008, Chavez accused Washington of trying to "weaken Russia" by supporting independence for Kosovo. He called Kosovo's new leader, Prime Minister Hashim Thaçi, a "terrorist" put in power by the U.S. and noted that the former rebel leader's nom de guerre was "The Snake". Chavez had strongly opposed the NATO intervention in Kosovo in 1999 when he first became president.

    • Asia

    Serbia has excellent relations with countries such as China, Japan, Indonesia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. These countries are important economic partners for Serbia in Asia.
    CountryFormal relations beganNotes
    1954
    • Afghan foreign minister Zalmai Rassoul visited Belgrade in September 2011.
    • Bilateral trade between Serbia and Afghanistan reached 7.3 million euros during 2011.
    1994See Armenia–Serbia relations
  • Armenia and Serbia established diplomatic relations on 14 January 1993.
    • 1997See Azerbaijan–Serbia relations
  • Azerbaijan and Serbia established diplomatic relations in 1997.
    • 1989
    1971Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1971.
    9 December 2011
    5 December 2011
    1956See Cambodia–Serbia relations
    2 January 1955See China–Serbia relations
    • Serbia has an embassy in Beijing and a general consulate in Shanghai.
    • China has an embassy in Belgrade and also maintains an office in Priština based on consent of the Government of Serbia from November 2006.
    China has always traditionally had very warm and close relations with Belgrade since the establishing of diplomatic relations in 1955.

    Serbia is represented in Timor by its embassy in Jakarta.
    26 June 1995
    • Serbia is represented in Georgia through its embassy in Moscow
    • Georgia is represented in Serbia through its embassy in Athens
    • Georgia strongly supports Serbia's stance on Kosovo
    • Serbia supports Georgia's stance on South Ossetia
    1948See India–Serbia relations
  • India has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in New Delhi and an honorary consulate in Chennai.
    • 1954See Indonesia–Serbia relationsIndonesia has very close relations with Serbia, especially within the fields of trade, culture and tourism. Indonesia has also voiced support for Serbia's territorial integrity over the Kosovo issue.
    1945
    See Iran–Serbia relations
    • Serbia has an embassy in Tehran and Iran has an embassy in Belgrade.
    • Serbia has strong relations with Iran.
    • Serbia and Iran maintained a visa free regime from 2 September 2017 until 17 October 2018. This led to an increase in travel of Iranians to Serbia. The visa regime was reinstated by Serbia following complaints from European Union after a large number of Iranian visitors used visa free regime to come to Serbia and cross over to European Union countries illegally. Serbian citizens can still enter Iran obtaining a visa on arrival.
    1958See Iraq–Serbia relations
    • Iraq has an embassy in Belgrade.
    • Serbia has an embassy in Baghdad.
    1992See Israel–Serbia relations
    • The bilateral relations between Yugoslavia and Israel were severed for 25 years, from 1967 until 9 October 1991, when they were officially renewed.
    • Israel has an embassy in Belgrade.
    • Serbia has embassy in Tel Aviv.
    • History of the Jews in Serbia
    1952See Japan–Serbia relations
  • Japan has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Tokyo and an honorary consulate in Osaka.
  • Both countries are strong trading partners.
  • There are about 92 Japanese living in Serbia.
  • 1996See Kazakhstan–Serbia relations
    • Serbia has an embassy in Nur-Sultan
    • Kazakhstan has an embassy in Belgrade
    1963
  • Kuwait has an embassy in Belgrade and Serbia has an embassy in Kuwait City.
  • Serbian companies have long had a presence in Kuwait. The iconic Kuwait Towers were commissioned by Energoprojekt, based in Belgrade.
  • Kuwait recently approved a 25 million Euro loan to Serbia to fund the construction of the Prokop railway station.
  • Kuwait also received support from Serbia, under the former Yugoslavia, during the Iraqi invasion in 1990.
    • 1998
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1998.
  • In 2011, the total trade value amounted EUR 3,5 million.
    • 1962Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1962.
    1967/2003
    • Malaysia has an embassy in Belgrade and Serbia is represented in Malaysia by the embassy in Jakarta.
    • During the period January 2012 – September 2012, bilateral trade reached 27.5 million euros.
    • Dato' Sri Anifah Hj. Aman paid a visit to Belgrade in September 2011
    • According to the Embassy of Malaysia in Belgrade, there are 25 Malaysians living in Serbia.
    1974
    20 November 1956
    1950See Myanmar-Serbia relations
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1950.
  • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 1959
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1959.
  • A number of bilateral agreements have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 30 October 1948See North Korea–Serbia relationsSerbia maintains friendly relations with North Korea. Relations between the two countries started in 1948 under the Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito. Relations between the two countries are still strong in both political and military terms. The North Korean embassy to Serbia is accredited to Sofia, Bulgaria.
    1974
    • Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic paid a visit to Muscat in 2010.
    1948See Pakistan–Serbia relationsPakistan considers Serbia to be a very important country and that the relations between the two states are warm and friendly.
    1988See Palestine–Serbia relations
    Relations between Serbia and the Palestinian Authority have been very close and friendly. The Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia was one of the first countries to recognize Palestinian Authority in November 1988 and its successor Serbia maintained close relations, favoring a Two-State solution. The Palestinian Authority for its part, has refused to recognize the independence of Kosovo.
    1972
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1972.
  • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
  • Philippines has a consulate in Belgrade
    • 1989
  • Qatar has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Serbia has an embassy in Doha.
    • 17 April 2013
  • Serbia has an embassy in Riyadh.
    • 1967Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1967.
    27 December 1989See Serbia–South Korea relations
    The establishment of diplomatic relations between Република Србија Serbia and the Republic of Korea began on 27 December 1989.
    1956
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1956.
  • A number of bilateral agreements in various fields have been concluded and are in force between both countries.
    • 1946See Serbia–Syria relations
    • Serbia has an embassy in Damascus.
    • Syria has an embassy in Belgrade.
    • Also Syria is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement and Serbia is an observer.
    1995
  • Both countries have established diplomatic relations on 9 September 1995.
  • In 2011, the total trade value amounted EUR 5,64 million.
    • 1954
  • Serbia is represented in Thailand through its embassy in Jakarta.
  • Thailand is represented in Serbia through its honorary consulate in Belgrade.
  • 1879See Serbia–Turkey relations
  • Serbia has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate-general in Istanbul.
  • Turkey has an embassy in Belgrade.
  • Both countries are full members of the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Central European Free Trade Agreement and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
    • 1996
    21 March 2007See Serbia–United Arab Emirates relations
    • Serbia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi and the UAE has one in Belgrade.
    • Economic relations between Serbia and the UAE have increased dramatically during 2012–2013.
    18 January 1995Both countries have established diplomatic relations in 1995.
    1957
    • Serbia is represented in Vietnam through its embassy in Jakarta.
    • Vietnam is represented in Serbia through its embassy in Bucharest.
    *
    1957Formal relations started in 1957

    Europe

    Serbia has signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union on 29 April 2008 and is in the process of the Republic of being admitted into the framework of the European Union as a full-fledged member state.
    Serbia officially applied for European Union membership on 22 December 2009, and the European Commission recommended making it an official candidate on 12 October 2011. After the vote of the 27 EU foreign ministers on 28 February 2012, where with 26 votes for and 1 vote against, a candidate status recommendation was issued, and Serbia received full candidate status on 1 March. On 28 June 2013 the European Council endorsed the Council of Ministers conclusions and recommendations to open accession negotiations with Serbia. In December 2013 the Council of the European Union approved opening negotiations on Serbia's accession in January 2014, and the first Intergovernmental Conference was held on 21 January at the European Council in Brussels.

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