Đurić confers with Benin’s Minister of Tourism, Culture, and the Arts

Expressing his pleasure at being the first Serbian Foreign Minister to visit Benin, Minister Đurić recalled the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement.

He emphasized that Serbia is committed to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation with Benin at all levels, building on these historical foundations. He conveyed Serbia’s clear readiness to deepen political dialogue, economic partnership, and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest.

Minister Đurić also noted that Serbia upholds the legacy of Yugoslavia’s policy toward the entire African continent and, in that spirit, has designated 25 May as the Day of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa, as a symbolic expression of its commitment to fostering political, economic, educational, cultural, and other ties with African nations.

In that context, he highlighted that the Museum of African Art in Belgrade serves as a lasting testament to the long-standing cultural, artistic, and folkloric ties between Serbia and the peoples of Africa.

With regard to cultural cooperation, Minister Đurić expressed Serbia’s strong interest in its further enhancement, underlining that establishing links between national cultural institutions would promote mutual understanding and deeper ties between the two peoples. He also stressed the need to improve the legal and institutional framework for cultural cooperation.

The two sides also discussed prospects for strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism, noting that both countries—each serving as a regional transportation hub—have significant potential for expanding tourist exchange and collaboration. They also explored opportunities for closer ties between national tourism organizations and associations.

Minister Đurić voiced his expectation that Benin will participate in EXPO 2027 in Belgrade, expressing Serbia’s great honor at the prospect of hosting guests from Benin at this prestigious international event. He emphasized that Benin’s rich cultural heritage would be a valuable contribution to the exhibition and a point of interest for both participants and visitors.