Serbia and South Africa Strengthen Partnership: Ambassador Mart Meets Diplomacy South Africa Ahead of Expo 2027

13. May 2026.
The Diplomacy South Africa portal published a detailed article on 13 May titled “Ambassador Saša Mart on Scholarships, Trade and Innovation with Diplomacy SA,”

https://diplomacysa.co.za/2026/05/13/ambassador-sasa-mart-discusses-sch…

The article highlights that Ambassador Saša Mart met with journalist Mndeni Mtabela from Diplomacy South Africa at the Embassy of the Republic of Serbia in Pretoria. 
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Serbia and South Africa ahead of Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Discussions covered opportunities for cooperation in trade, education, innovation, media, cultural exchange, technology, and agriculture, with an emphasis on strengthening economic and institutional ties between the two countries.
It is noted that Ambassador Mart stressed the importance of Expo 2027 as a global platform for connecting states, companies, and innovators, expressing expectations for greater participation from African countries. He also welcomed the successful political consultations between Serbia and South Africa during the visit of South African Deputy Foreign Minister Alvin Botes to Belgrade, describing them as an important step in the development of bilateral relations.
Special emphasis was placed on improving trade cooperation, including the possibility of establishing a representative office of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce in South Africa, as well as upcoming visits by senior Serbian officials expected to further strengthen political and economic relations.
The Ambassador also recalled the historical ties between Serbia and South Africa, rooted in the former Yugoslavia’s support for African liberation movements, as well as his personal connection to South Africa, where he previously served.
The meeting further highlighted scholarship opportunities for African students in Serbia, as well as Serbia’s strengths in ICT, technology, agriculture, and the defence industry.
The meeting confirmed the growing diplomatic and economic relations between Serbia and South Africa, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further developing the partnership and expanding cooperation in the years ahead.