Đurić: A Policy of an Outstretched Hand Toward Friendly Libya

The head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that Serbia and Libya cherish a friendship spanning more than seven decades, noting that it now extends across several generations.

“I would like to underline the strong support of the Republic of Serbia for Libya’s national government, its efforts and aspirations to improve the quality of life, the security environment, and the overall social climate in our friendly Libya, and to express our firm support for the results achieved over the past several years,” Đurić stated.

He pointed out that the Government of National Unity of Libya is a friend and partner with whom Serbia seeks to further develop and enhance cooperation.
“For that reason, I am particularly pleased that today in Belgrade we have the opportunity to host His Excellency the Minister, together with colleagues from other ministries of the Libyan government, with the shared wish to return our relations to the path of historic friendship that proved so beneficial for both sides and was marked by mutual support in international organizations over many years and generations,” Đurić stressed.

Reflecting on today’s discussions, Đurić assessed them as very productive and concrete with regard to advancing cooperation between the two countries.

“We have just signed a Memorandum on Political Consultations, which means that our two ministries will regularly exchange information on developments in our respective regions while also working together to strengthen economic cooperation, as the economic potential for collaboration between our two countries is hugely significant. Serbia, as the leading economy in Southeast Europe—accounting for as much as 53 percent of the total economy of this part of Europe, or this part of the Balkans—is a country that represents a natural gateway to Europe for Libya, just as Libya is for us a natural and close partner in North Africa and the southern Mediterranean basin,” Đurić noted.

The Serbian foreign minister added that it took his guest only about two hours by air to travel from Tripoli to Belgrade and expressed hope that flights would be restored in the near future, as they had for many years successfully connected the two countries and facilitated economic cooperation as well as outstanding collaboration in numerous other areas.

“I would like to recall that in previous decades our leading companies carried out remarkable work in Libya, and we would like to see that cooperation continues in the period ahead, just as we would like to welcome Libyan entrepreneurs here and see the Libyan economy present in our country,” Đurić concluded.

He emphasized that Serbia highly appreciates Libya’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia, as well as for Serbia’s national priorities and objectives.

“I also informed the Minister about the latest developments in our region. We exchanged views on global developments as well, since at this moment it is impossible to hold any meeting without reflecting on what is happening in the Middle East. I would like to reiterate here, before you as well, that Serbia firmly and unequivocally advocates peaceful and diplomatic solutions to all open issues; that Serbia always stands on the side of international law; and that it opposes any attack on civilian targets regardless of where such attacks originate or who the victims may be,” Đurić said.

According to him, Serbia maintains exceptionally close and friendly relations with a number of countries currently affected by armed conflict, stressing that Serbia today stands firmly on the side of peace.

Đurić also thanked Libya for confirming its participation in Expo 2027 in Belgrade.

“We are proud that Belgrade will host the already confirmed participation of 134 countries at this exhibition, which I am convinced will profoundly change the image of our country in the world. A special place in our hearts is reserved for the presence of Libya, whose rich culture, tradition, history, and the many similarities between our historical experiences—which have not always been easy in recent decades but which precisely for that reason motivate us even more to use the time ahead in the best possible way for development, consolidation, and for changing perceptions about us that may not always have been entirely fair,” Minister Đurić said.
The Serbian foreign minister also conveyed Serbia’s wish to see students from Libya studying in Serbia through the “World in Serbia” program, under which fifteen full scholarships have been offered to students from this friendly country, expressing hope that this initiative will serve as a bridge and an instrument for further cooperation.

“I wish to express my confidence that we will continue our intensified efforts to develop our relations and that you and your delegation will feel at home in Serbia. The policy of Serbia—of the Government, of President Vučić, and of us at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—is a policy of an outstretched hand toward friendly Libya, and we are incredibly happy to count you among our friends,” Minister Đurić stated.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the Government of National Unity of the State of Libya Taher Salem Al Baour emphasized that the two countries are bound by relations lasting 70 years, characterized by strong cooperation, communication, and aligned positions on many issues.

He noted that the Government of National Unity has begun reshaping its foreign policy and economic activities while also restoring Libya’s relations with all brotherly and friendly states.

The Libyan foreign minister underlined that Libya respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia, placing particular emphasis on the importance of intensifying economic cooperation. In this regard, he stressed that the restoration of a direct air route between Belgrade and Tripoli would be of immense importance.

Al Baour also expressed particular satisfaction with Libya’s participation in Specialized Expo 2027, noting that the Libyan government has issued clear guidelines and mandates to its institutions regarding participation in the exhibition, which he described as an excellent opportunity to present Libya to the world.

Following today’s meeting, the ministers signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the State of Libya.