Đurić Confers with Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs

01. Sep 2026.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Marko Đurić met today with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Somalia Abdisalam Abdi Ali, who is in Belgrade as a member of the delegation led by President of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, on the occasion of the Commemorative Meeting marking the 65th anniversary of the First Conference of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Welcoming his Somali counterpart, Minister Đurić emphasised that the participation of Somalia at the highest level represents a strong affirmation of the friendship between the two countries, as well as of Belgrade’s enduring symbolic significance as a place of encounter, dialogue and closer ties among nations.

The interlocutors also reflected on their meetings held in Belgrade and New York over the past year, noting that the increasingly intensive political dialogue provides a sound foundation for the further advancement of bilateral relations.

Đurić recalled that last year, which marked the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Serbia had the pleasure of hosting Prime Minister of Somalia Hamza Abdi Barre. He noted that the opening of the Embassy of Somalia in Belgrade had provided additional impetus to political dialogue and to the overall relations between the two countries.

Minister Đurić expressed particular gratitude to Somalia for its consistent respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Serbia.

Speaking about economic relations, Đurić noted that there is considerable scope for the traditionally good political relations between Serbia and Somalia to be complemented by stronger economic cooperation. He identified the agriculture and food industry, as well as the construction sector, as areas offering particular potential, while reaffirming Serbia’s readiness to explore with its Somali partners other concrete opportunities for strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Minister Đurić also highlighted the importance of cooperation in education, sport and knowledge exchange, expressing particular satisfaction with the strong interest among young people from Somalia in pursuing their studies in Serbia through the “World in Serbia” programme. Đurić emphasised that young people studying in Serbia represent one of the most valuable bridges of friendship between the two peoples and an important foundation for the future development of relations between Serbia and Somalia.

Minister Đurić expressed his confidence that Somalia will make a notable contribution to the Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade, emphasising that the event will provide another valuable opportunity to bring the two countries closer together and showcase Somalia’s potential.