Serbia-Pakistan Partnership heralding a new era of Diplomatic synergy
Photos: Courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia
H.E. Ali Haider Altaf, Ambassador of Pakistan to Serbia, shared insights with Diplomacy&Commerce about the recent Bilateral Political Consultations held in Islamabad. The meeting, marking a renewed phase in Serbia-Pakistan relations, covered key political and economic cooperation areas, including trade, labour mobility, and diplomatic training. The ambassador highlighted the significance of these discussions in strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering new opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
Pakistan and Serbia enjoy cordial bilateral relations that were established 76 years ago on 18 May 1948. Pakistan’s resident mission was opened in Belgrade in September 1963. The two countries have cooperated on various international fora and have successful trade relations as well.
Bilateral Political Consultations (BPC) were held between the two countries after a 14-year gap in January 2024 in Belgrade, and the 5th Round of Bilateral Political Consultations between Pakistan and Serbia was held on 31 January 2025 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan in Islamabad. State Secretary Damjan Jović led the Serbian Delegation, while Pakistan’s delegation was led by Additional Secretary (Europe) Mr. Shafqat Ali Khan.
Both sides emphasised the significant progress made in the political dialogue between Pakistan and Serbia. The Pakistani side reiterated its commitment to further strengthening cooperation and highlighted the potential for expanding economic collaboration, particularly through increased trade and mutual cooperation in areas of shared interests. Issues pertaining to labour mobility, educational cooperation, and increased people-to-people contact were discussed.
During the consultations, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and the Foreign Service Academy of Pakistan. This MoU will promote and develop mutual cooperation between the countries, aiming to better educate and train diplomats through regular exchanges.
After 14 years, Serbia and Pakistan have revived high-level political consultations, opening new avenues for cooperation
The consultations covered a range of policy issues, including Serbia’s European Union integration, developments in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, and Pakistan’s foreign policy in South Asia. Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing regular political consultations to deepen bilateral engagement further. Kosovo and Metohija were also discussed in detail. Serbia explained its policy and position, which enabled the Pakistani side to better understand the Serbian position on Kosovo and Metohija.
The State Secretary also called on the Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. The Serbian delegation reiterated Serbia’s invitation to the President of Pakistan to attend Expo 2027, which the Pakistani side acknowledged.
The Serbian delegation reiterated Serbia’s invitation to the President of Pakistan to attend Expo 2027
Both sides also discussed the reopening of the Serbian Mission in Islamabad in the near future. They agreed to hold the 6th round of Bilateral Political Consultations in Belgrade in 2026 on mutually agreed-upon dates. This renewed engagement has provided both countries with a better perspective on their respective regional situations.
