Saudi Arabia and Serbia are actively enhancing their economic and diplomatic ties, with both nations aiming to strengthen partnerships across various sectors such as energy, technology, agriculture, food industries, and trade. Recent discussions have centered around potential collaborations in joint energy initiatives, information and communications technology, advanced technologies, and agricultural projects. Additionally, efforts are underway to increase the presence of Serbian companies in the Saudi market while also encouraging Saudi investment in Serbia.
In a significant diplomatic development, Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric met in Belgrade to sign an agreement lifting visa requirements for those holding diplomatic and official passports. This agreement is anticipated to facilitate smoother official exchanges between the two countries, further solidifying their bilateral relations.
Trade between Saudi Arabia and Serbia has seen remarkable growth, with bilateral trade reaching $121 million in 2025, a substantial increase from the figures recorded in 2012. The first half of 2026 witnessed a trade volume of $130.4 million, marking a 152% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This surge in trade highlights the growing economic ties between the two nations.
The upcoming EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and EXPO 2030 in Riyadh are set to create additional avenues for investment, business partnerships, and the sharing of expertise. Saudi Arabia has already confirmed its participation in EXPO 2027, where it plans to highlight its economic development, innovation, culture, and investment opportunities. Meanwhile, Serbia is preparing to showcase more than 50 companies at the Saudi Food exhibition in Jeddah, further underscoring the commitment of both nations to deepen their collaborative efforts.
Beyond trade, both Saudi Arabia and Serbia are also exploring avenues for cooperation in science and technology. These initiatives reflect a mutual interest in broadening the scope of their partnership, with the potential to drive significant advancements and innovation in both countries.