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Serbia and Israel have elevated their relationship to a formal strategic partnership, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric told The Jerusalem Post, following the launch of the first structured strategic dialogue between the two countries in Jerusalem. The new framework marks a significant upgrade in bilateral ties, formalizing cooperation across defense, trade, technology, and diplomacy.

“We have reached the level of strategic partnership between both countries,” Djuric told the Post, describing the talks as a “historic step forward.” The meetings, which included senior representatives from both governments, lasted more than four hours and covered a wide range of issues, from regional security and economic integration to scientific and technological cooperation. The dialogue also included high-level security officials.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote on social media, “Honored to host my friend Serbia’s FM @markodjuric, with his distinguished delegation, in Jerusalem for the first Israel-Serbia Strategic Dialogue. HUGE step forward in our strategic relations!”

Coverage comparison

The Jerusalem Post reported the announcement of the strategic dialogue and the free trade agreement negotiations in two separate articles. The first article, published on April 29, detailed a joint press conference in Jerusalem where Sa’ar and Djuric made the announcements. The second article, published on May 3, provided an interview with Djuric and additional context on the trade relationship and defense cooperation. Both reports emphasized the historic nature of the upgrade and the mutual benefits of the partnership.

The April 29 article quoted Djuric as saying, “A free trade agreement will be decided upon that will open the doors wide for Serbian and Israeli companies.” It also noted that Serbia was the first to recognize Israel’s right to exist, in 1917, a point Djuric highlighted with pride. Sa’ar thanked Serbia for its steadfast support since October 7, 2023, under the presidency of Aleksandar Vucic, and referred to Serbia as a “strategically important actor in the Western Balkans, and an important partner in Europe.”

The May 3 article added that trade between Israel and Serbia has tripled over the past four years, positioning Israel as Serbia’s leading export destination in the Middle East and its fourth-largest outside Europe. It also elaborated on the personal connection between Djuric and his cousin Alon Ohel, who was kidnapped by Hamas during the Nova music festival attack on October 7, 2023, a topic that underscores the human dimension of the relationship.

Key claims

  • Israel and Serbia have launched the first-ever strategic dialogue, reflecting deepening trust and cooperation, as announced by Sa’ar and Djuric in a joint press conference in Jerusalem.
  • The two countries are negotiating a free trade agreement, convening a Joint Economic Committee, launching an Israel-Serbia Chamber of Commerce, and sending permanent economic representation to Belgrade.
  • Djuric said the free trade agreement would “open the doors wide for Serbian and Israeli companies.”
  • Trade between Israel and Serbia has tripled over the past four years, making Israel Serbia’s leading export destination in the Middle East and its fourth-largest outside Europe.
  • Serbia was the first to recognize Israel’s right to exist, in 1917, according to Djuric.
  • Defense cooperation between Israel and Serbia has deepened in recent years, as part of the new strategic partnership framework.
  • Serbia has maintained consistent political and practical support for Israel following the October 7 attacks, according to Sa’ar and Djuric.
  • Djuric shared a personal connection with his cousin Alon Ohel, who was kidnapped by Hamas during the Nova music festival attack on October 7, 2023.