Saudi Arabia and Serbia are deepening their economic and diplomatic ties, aiming to foster collaboration in several key sectors including energy, technology, agriculture, and trade. Recent discussions between the two nations have focused on joint projects in energy, advancements in information and communications technology, and enhancing agricultural cooperation. Both countries are keen to increase the presence of Serbian companies in the Saudi marketplace and are keen on encouraging more Saudi investments into Serbia.
During a recent meeting in Belgrade, a significant step was taken to strengthen bilateral relations as Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric finalized an agreement to waive visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders. This initiative is expected to facilitate smoother official exchanges and bolster diplomatic interactions between the two nations.
The economic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Serbia has shown substantial growth over recent years. In 2025, the bilateral trade volume reached $121 million, marking a significant increase from 2012 figures. In the first half of 2026 alone, trade surged to $130.4 million, a remarkable 152% rise compared to the same period in the previous year. This upward trend highlights the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Looking ahead, the upcoming EXPO 2027 in Belgrade and EXPO 2030 in Riyadh are anticipated to create further opportunities for investment and collaboration. Saudi Arabia has committed to participating in EXPO 2027, aiming to display its strides in economic development, innovation, culture, and investment potential. These events are expected to serve as platforms for fostering business partnerships and exchanging expertise.
Both countries are also keen on expanding their cooperation in science and technology fields. Additionally, Serbia is preparing to showcase its food industry capabilities at the Saudi Food exhibition in Jeddah, with more than 50 Serbian companies expected to participate. This highlights the potential for increased collaboration and mutual benefits in various sectors.