BELGRADE, SERBIA – The Prime Minister of Somalia, H.E. Hamza Abdi Barre, and his Serbian counterpart, H.E. Đuro Matsut, held a high-level meeting in Belgrade this week, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. The talks, which took place at the historic Palace of Serbia, focused on expanding collaboration across several vital sectors.
The two leaders engaged in productive discussions aimed at deepening ties in education, security, and economic development. The meeting’s outcomes reflect a mutual commitment to fostering a new era of cooperation, moving beyond past diplomatic relations to a more strategic partnership.
A concrete outcome of the meeting was the signing of a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation. This agreement is set to pave the way for closer collaboration in critical areas, including the exchange of medical expertise, joint research initiatives, and specialized training programs for healthcare professionals. This initiative is expected to directly benefit Somalia’s ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen its health infrastructure.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Barre highlighted the vast opportunities for future collaboration, particularly in education and technology. He emphasized the potential for joint projects that could benefit the youth of both countries through cultural exchanges and skill-building programs. For his part, Prime Minister Matsut pledged Serbia’s full support for Somalia’s security efforts, including the collective fight against terrorism and the promotion of regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
As the Somali delegation concluded its official visit, Somalia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdisalaam Abdi Ali, praised the trip’s successes. He noted that the productive meetings with Serbian leadership had laid the groundwork for a more collaborative and prosperous future for both Somalia and Serbia. This diplomatic engagement represents a clear signal of Somalia’s proactive foreign policy and its commitment to forging diverse and beneficial international partnerships.