PM Macut: Serbia is proud of tradition of friendship with peoples of Africa

Photo: Tanjug/Amir Hamzagic

Prime Minister of Serbia Djuro Macut said today, at the ceremony marking Africa Day in Belgrade, that Serbia is proud of the tradition of friendship with the peoples of Africa and is ready to continue building relations with all the countries from the African continent on those foundations, starting from the principles of respect and equality.

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Macut pointed out that Serbia wants to reach a common goal - a better life for all citizens - together with African countries through cooperation, concrete projects and activities.

"We will continue to speak the same language in the international arena, the language of international law, respect for the sovereignty of all states and respect for diversity," Macut said at the ceremony in the Palace of Serbia.

He told representatives of African countries that they have an ally in Serbia and the support of a sincere friend, citing the African proverb that "the path to a friend's home is never long".

"Serbia, although geographically distant, is your friend and here you are in your own home. And just as the rain wets a leopard's fur, but does not remove its spots, so the period during which we may not have been sufficiently present on the continent where civilization was born, did not change the essential, timeless and endless friendship between us," said Macut and added that these are not just political platitudes but something that is demonstrated every day.

He stated that in his youth he had many colleagues from African countries he went to school with, and that he is particularly proud of the fact that young people still have the opportunity to study together through the "World in Serbia" program.

The prime minister added that the connections made in this way are stronger than any politics and any interest because they are based on what is most valuable - young people.

"Thank you for trusting us so much and for sending them to study here, and rest assured that we will continue to help them feel in Serbia as in their second home," said Macut.

The ceremony began with the sounding of the anthems of the African Union and Serbia, while the celebration of Africa Day was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric, Ambassador of Algeria to Serbia and doyen of the Group of Ambassadors of African countries in Belgrade Fatah Mahraz, as well as representatives of the embassies of other African countries.

Africa Day is celebrated on May 25, in commemoration of the day when the heads of 32 independent states from the African continent signed a charter in Addis Ababa that created the first organization of independent African states  - the Organization of African Unity, which grew into the African Union.

Since 2017, Serbia has officially celebrated May 25 as the Day of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)