Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia Ivan Mrkic, who is participating in the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, met today with the high representatives of Zimbabwe: President Robert Mugabe, Foreign Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, as well as Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission Erastus Mwencha. Minister Mrkic also had talks with Foreign Minister of Ethiopia Tedros Adhanom.

The talks with Zimbabwean President Mugabe were focused on the traditionally friendly ties between the two countries, and the desire was expressed that the Serbian delegations visit Africa in order to discuss all possible forms of cooperation and specific projects, particularly in the field of economy.

Mugabe stressed that his country believes in the sincerity of Serbia's approach to the cooperation with the African countries, treating them as its equals. He recalled all the significant projects carried out by Yugoslav firms in Africa, and particularly emphasized the Energoprojekt projects in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania.

During the meeting with the Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission Erastus Mwencha, Minister Mrkic presented him the Draft Agreement on Cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the African Union, as announced during Mwencha's recent visit to Belgrade.

The two officials discussed the Serbia's contribution through political engagement and participation of its military forces across Africa, especially in Somalia, Mali, Liberia, DR Congo and Côte d'Ivoire. Mwencha further recalled the traditionally good relations between the African countries and Serbia.

Minister Mrkic thanked Mwencha for the principled position of the non recognition of Kosovo's UDI.

Among the topics discussed was also the "World in Serbia" project, bringing together students from all over the world, where those from Africa are the most numerous. They also discussed the further deepening of cooperation in the field of education.

Minister Mrkic underlined that Serbia would endeavour to support the aspirations of African countries and the international community towards stabilizing the situation in the Central African Republic.

The delegation of the Republic of Serbia to the African Union Summit included Marko Blagojevic, Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.