The African Union Celebration in Serbia: A Momentum of Solidarity and Friendship

The African Union (AU), the flagship institution of the African continent, celebrates its anniversary each year to commemorate the creation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) on May 25, 1963 in Addis Ababa. Transformed into the African Union in 2002, this organization aims to promote the socio-economic integration of Africa and strengthen cooperation between member states. On May 24, this historic day was honored in Belgrade at a solemn ceremony organized by the Group of African Embassies in Serbia, with the active participation of the Serbian government.

The Commemoration Ceremony in Belgrade

The ceremony took place at the Palace of Serbia, attended by numerous dignitaries, including Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Marko Đurić, the President of the National Assembly, Mrs. Ana Brnabić, the heads of missions of African countries in Belgrade and distinguished guests.

Viewpoint of the Group of Embassies of African Countries

For the Group of Embassies of African Countries in Serbia, this celebration was a privileged opportunity to strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity between Serbia and African countries. H.E. Mr. Mohamed Amine Belhaj, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Serbia and Dean of the Group of Ambassadors of African Countries, stressed that the Republic of Serbia’s decision in 2017 to declare May 25 Serbia’s Friendship Day with the Peoples of Africa, is eloquent testimony to the historic and robust relations that unite Belgrade and the African continent.

“This friendship is based on the mutual respect and immeasurable support that the former Yugoslavia gave to many African countries in their struggle to end colonialism and build their nations, as well as on the noble principles and values of the Non-Aligned Movement,” said Ambassador Belhaj. He also highlighted Africa’s human wealth, mentioning that the African Union has declared this year the Year of Education with the theme “Shaping the 21st Century African: Building resilient education systems for wider access to inclusive, relevant, lifelong and quality education”.

Recognition and future prospects

The African representatives present warmly welcomed the words of Minister Đurić and Mrs. Brnabić, who highlighted the importance of relations with African countries and expressed their gratitude for the unwavering support at the recent session of the United Nations General Assembly. Minister Đurić thanked the African countries for their solidarity, recalling that 37 of the 54 African countries had refused to support a negative resolution against Serbia.

Mrs Brnabić, for her part, stressed that almost 70% of African countries had recognized that this resolution was contrary to the Constitution of Bosnia-Herzegovina and did not contribute to reconciliation. She also thanked African countries for respecting Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, pointing out that 43 African nations firmly support this fundamental principle of international law.

Cooperation programs and future initiatives

The ceremony also provided an opportunity to highlight ongoing cooperation programs, such as the “World in Serbia” program, which enables numerous African students to study in various Serbian university towns. These educational, cultural and economic initiatives aim to strengthen ties between the two regions and offer African students opportunities for study and personal development in Serbia.

The Group of Embassies of African countries accredited in Serbia, through the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, also expressed optimism about the participation of African countries in the EXPO 2027 exhibition in Serbia, seeing this event as a new opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations and promote Africa’s cultural and economic wealth on the international stage.

Conclusion

The celebration of the 61st anniversary of the African Union in Belgrade was marked by a strong sense of solidarity and friendship between Serbia and African countries. The event reaffirmed the mutual commitment to continue and strengthen the historic relationship, working together for a common future of prosperity and shared development. Through this celebration in Serbia, the African Union continues to symbolize unity and international cooperation, values essential to global peace and stability.