By Nemanja Grbic
Serbian Ambassador to Korea
As the Serbian Embassy in Seoul joins our Serbian community and Korean friends to celebrate National Day on Feb. 15, I gladly take this opportunity to reflect on the enduring friendship and expanding partnership between Serbia and the Republic of Korea. This day marks the anniversary of the First Serbian Uprising in 1804, a pivotal event that led to Serbia regaining full independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878. Additionally, on this date in 1835, Serbia adopted its first modern constitution, the Sretenjski Ustav, laying the foundation for our nation's democratic principles.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1989, Serbia and Korea have cultivated a robust and mutually beneficial partnership across various sectors. High-level exchanges have been instrumental in this progress. Notably, President Aleksandar Vucic and President Yoon Suk Yeol met on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2023, and again on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York in September 2023, reinforcing our shared commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. President Aleksandar Vucic also participated virtually in the Third Summit for Democracy, organized by the Republic of Korea in March 2024.
A significant development in our economic collaboration is the initiation of negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement between Serbia and Korea. In September 2024, Serbia's Minister of Domestic and Foreign Trade Tomislav Momirovic and Korea's Minister of Trade Cheong In-kyo signed a joint statement in Seoul, marking the commencement of these negotiations. The EPA aims to provide preferential access for Serbian agricultural and industrial products to the Korean market and is expected to stimulate increased investments from Korean companies in Serbia. This agreement is anticipated to enhance trade, expand investment and bolster overall economic activity between our nations.
Over the past decade, trade between Serbia and Korea has grown significantly, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $700 million annually. Serbian exports to Korea have seen a remarkable increase, positioning Serbia as a key supplier of non-GMO corn and frozen berries to the Korean market. Korean companies have recognized Serbia's strategic location, skilled workforce and favorable business environment, leading to substantial investments, particularly in the automotive industry. Currently, Korean investments in Serbia employ around 10,000 people, reflecting the strength of our economic ties.
In the realm of multilateral cooperation, Serbia looks forward to engaging constructively with Korea, especially as Korea serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Our collaboration within the UN framework is grounded in a mutual respect for international law and the principles of the UN Charter, focusing on issues of shared importance.
People-to-people exchanges have also flourished, enhancing mutual understanding and cultural appreciation. With the tourism sector rebounding post-pandemic, Serbia offers Korean travelers a wealth of experiences, from rich historical heritage and stunning landscapes to delectable cuisine and warm hospitality. To facilitate travel, Air Serbia is considering the introduction of direct flights between Belgrade and Seoul in the coming years and has already established a general sales office in Seoul as an initial step toward this goal. Serbia would also like to host Korea's pavilion at Specialized Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
I take this opportunity to extend our warmest wishes for health, prosperity and success to all readers of The Korea Herald. May the friendship between Serbia and Korea continue to thrive, bringing mutual benefits and fostering a shared future of peace and prosperity.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own. -- Ed.
