Switzerland and Serbia further deepen their longstanding good relations
Berne, 28.04.2026 — During his visit to Serbia on Tuesday, 28 April, President Guy Parmelin met with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Đuro Macut. The talks focused on bilateral relations, the situation in the Western Balkans, the introduction of a human rights dialogue, and international affairs. The presidential visit saw the signing of an agreement on an innovation programme and the launch of a new cooperation programme for the period up to 2029.
The invitation extended by Serbia to pay a state visit marks the 110th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Serbia. During the talks, both sides emphasised the very good relations between the two countries and the importance of the large Serbian diaspora in Switzerland (around 130,000 people). With trade in goods amounting to around CHF 1 billion a year, Serbia is Switzerland’s most important economic partner in the Western Balkans. Mr Parmelin was accompanied by a high-level business delegation.
The visit saw the launch of the new 2026–2029 cooperation programme for Serbia. The programme, which focuses on democratic governance, economic development, the strengthening of vocational education and training, climate change and sustainable urban development, is aimed at supporting Serbia in the process of European integration.
In addition, an agreement on a bilateral innovation programme was signed between the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Serbian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (NITRA). The agreement aims to bring new products and services to market more quickly and to strengthen cooperation between the private sector and the research community. The two countries also agreed to introduce a regular human rights dialogue.
Stability and prosperity in the Western Balkans have long been a priority of Swiss foreign policy. During the talks, Mr Parmelin praised the progress made in the region in economic terms and on security policy. At the same time, he stressed that the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo remains crucial to ensuring lasting peace and stability. He reaffirmed Switzerland’s willingness to engage in dialogue. The European security architecture and Switzerland’s current chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) were also discussed.
Other points on Mr Parmelin’s itinerary in Serbia included visits to the science and technology park in Belgrade – which is also supported by Switzerland – and a Nestlé factory in Surčin, as well as a meeting with business leaders.
First-ever Swiss presidential visit to North Macedonia
On Wednesday 29 April, Mr Parmelin will visit North Macedonia, thereby highlighting the excellent relations between the two countries and the potential for economic cooperation. To mark the first presidential visit from Switzerland, meetings are scheduled in Skopje with President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, Speaker of Parliament Afrim Gashi and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. A reception hosted by the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in North Macedonia is also planned.
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