Serbia has used the 65th anniversary of the first Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) conference to call for stronger international cooperation and renewed attention to principles such as peace, independence and equal participation in global affairs.

A high-level commemorative meeting was held in Belgrade on  bringing together representatives of numerous countries to mark the anniversary of the historic 1961 conference. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Ugandan Vice President Jessica Alupo opened the meeting.

Belgrade highlights the movement’s historic role

The original Non-Aligned Movement conference was held in Belgrade 65 years ago, making Serbia an important historical location for the organisation’s anniversary.

During the commemorative meeting, President Vučić described NAM as an important pillar of multilateralism and emphasised the principle that countries should have a voice in international affairs regardless of their size or economic and military strength.

The gathering provided Serbia with an opportunity to highlight its diplomatic relationships with countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and other regions.

Serbian government calls for peaceful cooperation

Prime Minister Đuro Macut also addressed participants during a formal dinner organised to mark the anniversary.

Macut said the principles associated with the movement’s founders—including freedom, independence and the right of nations to determine their own future—remain relevant despite major changes in the international system.

He stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and mutual respect between countries, while presenting Serbia as a country interested in building international partnerships and maintaining independent decision-making.

Pacific countries invited to Serbia’s Expo

The anniversary programme also provided an opportunity for Serbia to strengthen relations with countries in the Pacific region.

Serbian Minister Tatjana Macura participated in a development-focused panel at the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, where she highlighted Serbia’s interest in expanding cooperation with Pacific states.

She also promoted Specialised Expo 2027 in Belgrade, inviting Pacific countries to participate and use the event as an opportunity to present their region to a wider international audience.

Serbia expands bilateral diplomatic contacts

The NAM anniversary has also created space for Serbia to hold bilateral discussions with participating countries.

On September 1, Serbian officials discussed stronger cooperation with São Tomé and Príncipe, including economic relations, tourism, security and defence.

Serbian authorities also held meetings connected with cooperation involving several other countries during the commemorative events.

A diplomatic platform for Serbia

For Belgrade, the anniversary is more than a historical commemoration. It provides an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relationships and present Serbia as a partner to countries outside the traditional European political framework.

The government’s latest statements indicate that Serbia intends to use international cooperation, economic partnerships and major events such as Expo 2027 to deepen its engagement with countries across different regions.

The 65th anniversary meeting therefore combines historical remembrance with an effort to build new diplomatic and economic connections.