Caracas, 12 August 2022 (TDI): 1st Meeting of the Venezuela-Serbia Political Consultation Mechanism within the framework of the 140th Anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations was held this Thursday.
The delegation from the Republic of Serbia was headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikola Selaković, while the delegation from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela was headed by the Minister of Venezuela for Foreign Affairs, Carlos Faría Tortosa.
This meeting took place at a high strategic level and was marked by a deep understanding of cooperation. It addressed the binational agenda through the current international perspective.
The two sides acknowledged their appreciation for strong growth, which has helped to strengthen their bilateral ties. They concurred that it was essential to reaffirm their dedication to the development of regional cooperation for the privilege of both peoples.
The participants determined that Serbian and Venezuelan bilateral relations must be elevated, particularly in light of the current global situation, to encourage and provide chances for productive and stable bilateral contact between the two countries.
Agreements Signed in the Conference
The two sides signed an agreement on a partnership in the field of tourism. They said that the purpose of this agreement is to strengthen bilateral ties by promoting shared heritage, history, and culture.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the youth and sports sector to advance and foster bilateral relations. Apart from this, both sides committed to carrying out the process according to the legislation of each country.
Moreover, Institutional Cooperation Agreement was also signed between the National Libraries of Serbia and Venezuela. They aimed to foster the exchange of audio, visual, non-bibliographic, and bibliographical materials between Serbia and Venezuela.
The two Foreign Ministers also ensured to take steps to protect collective memories and libraries in Serbia and Venezuela.
Remarks of Venezuelan Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Faría described the working day with his Serbian counterpart as extraordinary. He said it’s a great opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties with Serbia.
He recalled that since the arrival of Commander Hugo Chávez, Venezuela has expressed its unrestrained solidarity with the people and Government of Serbia.
Venezuelan Foreign Minister emphasized that Venezuela always cooperated with Serbia, especially in those very difficult times when they were subjected to aggression by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
He also stressed that Venezuela extends its support to Serbia in its struggle to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Venezuelan Diplomat further stated that his country will continue to cooperate with Serbia on this issue as per the Charter of the United Nations.
Remarks of Serbian Foreign Minister
The Foreign Minister of Serbia highlighted that throughout the history of diplomatic relations, Serbia maintained a high level of mutual respect and cooperation with Venezuela despite pressures in different historical eras.
Selaković emphasized that respect and mutual support between both nations are not new. It forms a tradition throughout the joint work carried out within the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) framework.
The Foreign Minister of Serbia further commended Venezuela’s support for Serbia’s stance on Kosovo and Metojia. He added that this is a matter of great national importance for Serbia.
As it signifies the conservancy of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the European nation. He emphasized that state policies must always be guided by the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other states and respect for international law.
Additionally, the Serbian Diplomat stressed that both sides had discussed the modalities to strengthen cooperation in the region of economy and tourism.
Meeting of Serbian Foreign Minister with Venezuelan President
At the end, of his official visit to Venezuela, Serbian Foreign Minister, Nikola Selakovic met with President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas today.
President Maduro and Selakovic discussed the present regional and global difficulties and strategies for resolving them while upholding national interests.
Serbian Envoy expressed hope that his visit and the agreements signed will help Serbia and Venezuela’s business cooperation progress.
He also commended President Maduro for his Foreign Minister’s participation at the PNZ Commemorative Meeting, held last October in Belgrade.
The two sides paid particular attention to the promotion of cooperative actions in international and multilateral organizations, including mutual support in the nomination of candidates to fill management positions in various multilateral scenarios.
Additionally, they aimed to use this to promote respect for international law and the right of each nation to peacefully pursue its economic, social, and cultural development.
Bilateral Relations between Serbia and Venezuela
Venezuela and the Republic of Serbia have a long history of promoting freedom, peaceful coexistence, anti-colonialism, and equality amongst nations and people.
These principles formed the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement, to which both parties have made substantial contributions and continue to do so.
Political Relations
Serbia and Venezuela have long-term collaboration based on the values of respect for one another, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, and international law.
Both nations avails chances to foster ties in the area of agriculture, food processing industry, energy, education, and tourism.
Economic Relations
Serbia and Venezuela have substantial trade. In 2019 a total of 88,000 Euros worth of products were traded between Serbia and Venezuela. Imports and exports between the two in 2020 were 516,000 Euros.
Bilateral Agreements
Venezuela and Serbia have many agreements on Political, Educational points, Agriculture, and Energy programs. They have also agreed on eliminating visas for holders of diplomatic and official passports, signed on 6 June 2011.
A Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the area of agriculture was signed on October 12, 2021, in Belgrade by the two governments.
