The Embassy of the Republic of Serbia recently commemorated Statehood Day, marking the historic First Serbian Uprising of 1804 and the adoption of the Sretenje Constitution in 1835.
Held at Meikles Hotel, the reception brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders and members of the Serbian community.
The occasion also marked 45 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Zimbabwe, highlighting expanding cooperation in education, agriculture, culture and trade.
In an exclusive interview, NewsDay Life & Style (ND) spoke with Serbia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Radisa Grujic (ARG), about the significance of Statehood Day and the evolving bilateral partnership.
ND: Your Excellency, what does February 15 represent for Serbia?
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ARG: February 15 symbolises the foundations of Serbian statehood. It marks the First Serbian Uprising of 1804, the adoption of the 1835 Sretenje Constitution — one of the most progressive in Europe at the time — and the Orthodox Christian feast of Sretenje. The day reflects Serbia’s enduring commitment to sovereignty, constitutionalism and democratic tradition.
ND: This year marks 45 years of diplomatic ties. How would you describe the journey?
ARG: Diplomatic relations were established on April 18, 1980, when Zimbabwe had recently attained independence, during the era of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Yugoslavia opened its embassy in Harare that same year.
Between 1980 and 1990, cooperation flourished. Yugoslavia, one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, supported Zimbabwe’s development across political, economic and social sectors.
Serbian firms, including Energoprojekt and Partizanski Put, contributed to landmark infrastructure projects such as the Rainbow Towers Hotel. Zimbabwe, in turn, supported Serbia during the sanctions period of the 1990s at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
ND: What sectors define cooperation today?
ARG: Since reopening its embassy in Harare in 2022, Serbia has prioritised political dialogue and economic engagement. Key sectors include agriculture, education, ICT, mining, energy, health, defence and culture. Both sides are working to operationalise agreements that will structure future collaboration.
ND: How is Serbia advancing cultural diplomacy?
ARG: Cultural exchange was central to our Statehood Day reception. The Zimbabwe College of Music Brass Band performed Serbian folk compositions, demonstrating how music can bridge cultures.
Serbia is also home to the Museum of African Art, a unique institution outside Africa dedicated to African art and anti-colonial heritage. We are exploring possible cooperation with Zimbabwe’s Museum of African Liberation.
ND: Education has become a visible pillar of cooperation.
ARG: Through the “World in Serbia” scholarship programme, launched in 2012, students from Non-Aligned Movement countries, including Zimbabwe, are able to pursue tertiary studies in Serbia.
Since 2023, about 35 Zimbabwean students have enrolled at Serbian universities. These young scholars will help strengthen people-to-people ties between our nations.
ND: What about agriculture and trade?
ARG: A Memorandum of Understanding on agricultural cooperation is nearing completion. It will cover research collaboration, climate adaptation and seed development.
In trade and investment, both countries see opportunities in infrastructure, mining and manufacturing. Zimbabwe has also confirmed participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade, themed Play for Humanity, which will offer a global platform for economic and cultural exchange.
ND: How does Serbia position itself globally?
ARG: Serbia supports multilateralism and adherence to international law. As a country shaped by its role in the Non-Aligned Movement, we value partnerships across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
We also support Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term.