First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dacic sent a message of congratulation on the occasion of Friendship Day with the peoples of Africa, distributed by the Permanent Delegation of Serbia to UNESCO to delegations of all African countries to this Organization.

"Africa Day, marked by our African friends as their holiday, has been celebrated in Serbia for a long time. By the Decision of the Government of Serbia in 2017, May 25th was included in the calendar of most important days of the year in our country as the Friendship Day with the peoples of Africa. This Day is primarily a symbol of our sincere desire to foster and carefully build relations with Africa, with which we have been linked by decades-long traditional friendship dating back to the period of the SFRY.

Serbia's relations with African countries are based on solid foundations of communion, mutual understanding, support, cooperation and solidarity. These relations are not only a matter of the past we are extremely proud of, but they have a promising future, too.

The Republic of Serbia is strongly committed to the development of comprehensive cooperation with African countries and, in line with its capacities, is committed to further strengthening political, economic but also ties in the fields of culture, education and other segments of the work of UNESCO.

The proclamation of May 25th the Day of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa is a symbolic way of additionally highlighting this commitment. At the same time, it further encourages the enrichment of our relations with new contents, where certainly the prominent place belongs to the areas of work of UNESCO. In that context, we will continue to provide scholarships for students from African countries at Universities in Serbia and remain engaged in humanitarian and development activities in the African region. We are honored to welcome these young people who are an important link between our cultures and true Ambassadors of Serbian-African friendship.

The Republic of Serbia looks forward to every progress of the African continent and supports efforts undertaken by African countries to achieve strategic African goals, including ensuring a peaceful and secure future, eradicating poverty and disease, preserving and strengthening cultural identity, common heritage and values, as well as political, economic and cultural unification of the continent in order to create a unified and powerful Africa, as a global factor and partner. We deeply believe that this is the place rightfully deserved by Africa and its peoples.

Serbia has always been and will remain a friend and partner for cooperation to Africa, in the interest of progress and prosperity of all. With this in mind, please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration", says the congratulatory message from the Serbian Foreign Minister.