Visit of H.E. Mr. Nikola Selaković, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia to India

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, H.E. Mr. Nikola Selaković, paid an official visit to India on 19-20 September 2021, as a special envoy of the President of Serbia.

During his visit, he called upon Hon’ble Vice President of India and held discussions with Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, as well as with Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for External Affairs.

India and Serbia, as co-founders of Non-Aligned Movement, have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations marked by close cooperation on bilateral and international issues of mutual importance. The Indian side wished Serbia success in organising the commemorative event in Belgrade on 11-12 October 2021 to mark the 60th anniversary of the first NAM Conference.

Both sides had a comprehensive exchange of views on further consolidating and deepening of bilateral relations, including holding of the next rounds of Foreign Office Consultations and Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in the next few months. They also expressed satisfaction at continuation of high level exchanges between the two countries, and discussed opportunities for enhancing collaboration in sectors like agriculture, food processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, electronics, IT &ITeS, heavy engineering, machinery & equipment, infrastructure and construction.

Both sides welcomed finalisation of reciprocal arrangement on recognition of COVID vaccine certificates issued by each others’ national authorities. This would promote people-to-people contacts and travel for business and trade purposes.  An agreement on gainful employment for dependents of members of diplomatic Missions and consular Posts was signed during the visit.

The two Ministers also shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. They agreed that the rule of law and respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity are fundamental principles of international relations that must be observed by all.