The Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Vanuatu held a significant Political Dialogue on 23 September 2025 at the Warwick Le Lagon Resort. The session, which ran from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., underscored both nations’ commitment to deepening bilateral relations and enhancing development cooperation.
Recognizing the growing importance of their partnership, Serbia and Vanuatu emphasized the need for ongoing political engagement as a platform to bolster cooperation, address mutual challenges, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
This dialogue builds upon the solid foundation established since diplomatic relations were formally initiated on 28 August 2018. Notably, landmark agreements signed on 21 November 2019, including a Visa Waiver Agreement facilitating easier travel for diplomatic, official, and ordinary passport holders, and a Memorandum of Understanding on technical cooperation and development, continue to guide bilateral efforts.
Serbia’s strategic interest in the Pacific region has steadily increased, exemplified by high-level exchanges such as the recent meeting between the Serbian Foreign Minister and Vanuatu’s Prime Minister during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga. The Political Dialogue in Port Vila reaffirmed Serbia’s dedication to strengthening ties with Vanuatu.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Noah Patrick Kouback, Director General of Vanuatu’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, and co-chaired by His Excellency Ambassador Damjan Jović, State Secretary of Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassador Jović was accompanied by the Serbian Ambassador to Australia, based in Canberra.
Key representatives from Vanuatu’s Ministries of Education and Training, Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and External Trade, as well as the Departments of Energy, Youth and Sports, Tourism, and Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid Coordination (DSSPAC) participated in the dialogue.
Discussions spanned a broad range of shared priorities including climate change, renewable energy, education, youth empowerment, tourism, and multilateral cooperation. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to sovereign equality and mutual respect.
The Government of Vanuatu expressed deep appreciation for Serbia’s financial support to the Departments of Energy and Tourism, which are vital for national development. Gratitude was also extended for scholarships awarded to Vanuatu students, significantly enhancing capacity building and educational opportunities.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Education and Training formally requested the establishment of Memoranda of Understanding with Serbian universities to facilitate student exchanges and academic collaboration, aiming to broaden educational prospects for Vanuatu’s youth. The Department of Youth and Sports also sought further Serbian support to bolster youth programs and sporting infrastructure.
Vanuatu reaffirmed its participation in the World Expo 2027 in Belgrade, Serbia. The Expo’s theme, “Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All,” resonates with Vanuatu’s cultural emphasis on play as a foundation for community and youth empowerment.
The Vanuatu pavilion, themed “Banyan Tree: Under One Tree, We Are One People,” will highlight the nation’s unity and rich cultural heritage. Preparations are underway, including participation in the International Participation Meeting and ongoing collaboration with Expo organizers.
Vanuatu is also actively contributing to the Pacific Sanctuary Pavilion, promoting regional cooperation through cultural diplomacy, trade, and tourism. The National Expo Committee thanked the Serbian government for its ongoing support and expressed optimism for deepening bilateral ties through this event.
The Serbian delegation expressed interest in expanding cooperation across agriculture, education, health, cultural exchange, and highlighted Serbia’s expertise in IT, ICT, and engineering as promising fields for future partnership.
Both delegations issued a joint statement affirming their commitment to sustained collaboration and the advancement of shared objectives through continued engagement.
This Political Dialogue represents a milestone in the evolving partnership between Serbia and Vanuatu rooted in friendship, solidarity, and mutual development and continues the positive momentum established by previous high-level exchanges and agreements.
