A renewed sense of momentum is defining relations between Serbia and Botswana, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said following his meeting with Botswana’s Minister of International Relations, Phenyo Butale, in Belgrade on 28 November 2025. He noted that both countries were committed to broadening cooperation in key areas including the economy, agriculture, education and digital technologies.
Djuric thanked Botswana for its continued support for Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty regarding Kosovo-Metohija, and welcomed Butale on his first official visit to Serbia. “Strengthening the ties with the people and states on the African continent is a major priority for us, and a 55-year-long friendship is connecting us with Botswana. It began in the period when our country and Botswana were jointly supporting the liberation of the African continent,” said Djuric.
He noted that the meeting reaffirmed long-standing ties while offering fresh impetus for collaboration “as part of our broader strategy for forging mutual ties, aimed at deepening political, economic, cultural, educational and overall ties between our two countries.” Djuric noted Serbia valued Botswana’s backing on Kosovo-Metohija and had updated Butale on recent developments. He added that both countries shared a commitment to upholding international law, which he described as the foundation for global equality and peace. “That is extremely important in these times,” stated Djuric.
Moreover, Djuric highlighted significant room to expand agricultural trade and technical cooperation, citing Serbia’s strength in seed exports, agricultural machinery and modern farming technologies. He also pointed to opportunities in IT, from digital services and data management to digital skills and infrastructure. On education, he explained that students from 120 countries had joined the World in Serbia scholarship programme and he invited Botswana to participate in EXPO 2027 Belgrade.
Butale thanked Djuric for the hospitality and said Serbia had “vast experience with African countries.” He noted Serbia’s historic support during Africa’s liberation struggles and its long-standing engagement with African states. He added that Serbia and Botswana shared common values including respect for international law and similar positions on territorial integrity.
In conclusion, Butale noted, “Botswana seeks deeper cooperation with Serbia in innovation, digitalisation and education. Although Botswana is ‘a small country known for diamonds and its beef exports to Europe,’ it is determined to industrialise and transform its economy. I would like to encourage Serbian entrepreneurs to establish a presence in Botswana and the government has interest in closer collaboration in the mining sector.”
