Nigeria Serbia Bilateral Ties Strengthened as SGF Receives Serbian Envoy

The Nigeria Serbia Bilateral Ties received a fresh boost on Tuesday as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening diplomatic and economic cooperation with the Republic of Serbia.

Senator Akume gave the assurance while receiving the Serbian Ambassador to Nigeria, Petar Vulic, during a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The SGF described the Nigeria Serbia Bilateral Ties as a relationship built on mutual respect, shared interests, and decades of diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

Speaking during the visit, Ambassador Vulic described the Nigeria Serbia Bilateral Ties as historic and enduring, noting that Serbia, as the successor state of the former Yugoslavia, has maintained cordial relations with Nigeria since the country’s independence in 1960.

He recalled that the former Yugoslavia was among Nigeria’s earliest international partners and that both nations shared a rich history through the Non-Aligned Movement, where Yugoslavia was a co-founder while Nigeria played a prominent role.

“Serbia has always supported Nigeria and considers Nigeria its number one partner in Africa. Our friendship dates back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960, and we are determined to build on this strong foundation to take our relations to a much higher level,” the ambassador said.

Ambassador Vulic highlighted the contributions of Serbian companies to Nigeria’s development, citing projects such as the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, the Kano State Ministerial Complex, the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, sports development in Akwa Ibom State, hospitals, electrification projects in more than 60 locations, irrigation systems, dam projects, and other infrastructure developments.

He added that Serbia is ready to facilitate the return of its companies to Nigeria to explore new investment opportunities and strengthen economic cooperation between both countries.

According to the ambassador, Serbia is eager to deepen Nigeria Serbia Bilateral Ties by serving as a strategic gateway for Nigerian businesses seeking access to markets in Southeastern Europe.

“We are ready to bring our companies back to Nigeria. Serbia is eager to develop stronger economic relations with Nigeria and to serve as a bridge for Nigeria into Southeastern Europe,” he added.