By King’s Correspondents
BELGRADE, SERBIA: Serbian President Vicic has described Eswatini as a true friend who stood by their country in trying times when others turned away.
“We will never forget this friendship, as a true friendship is one that exists in the absence of milk and honey.”
Highlighting the bilateral talks he held with His Majesty, the president said they discussed what the two countries could do together in various areas, including increasing scholarships for students to be the bridge between the two countries and helping both develop.
“We have also made a plan to visit Eswatini to agree on areas of concrete cooperation and take decisions in the interest of both of us. Thank you for your visit and for your friendship. We will do our best to reciprocate this friendship,” he said.
He also stated that he was glad that the king would visit their science and technology park in Novi Sad, as well as the data centre, and was open to further discussions on military cooperation.
Me further disclosed that the king had informed him of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), where 55 countries in Africa had put in place trade agreements, something he said was impressive as they had not managed to do so in their region.”
He described Africa as a key continent for trade and was happy to develop friendships bound in the spirit of the United Nations Charter. He expressed a desire to demonstrate how important Eswatini is to Serbia and learn more about the country’s customs to better understand how to cherish the friendship and make them feel at home.
The six agreements signed between Eswatini and Serbia are as follows:
1. Memorandum of Understanding on trade and investment cooperation (Ministry of Commerce Industry and Trade, Eswatini and Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Serbia)
The objective of this MoU is to promote cross-border trade, investment, industry and private sector development, between the Parties on equitable terms by setting tasks to be performed and obligations to be met by either party in order to facilitate an increased flow of Foreign Direct Investment and the enhancement of trade, as well as industry and institutional cooperation.
The Parties will endeavor to eliminate non-tariff barriers to trade and the removal of possible technical barriers which preclude trade.
There shall be a Joint Ministerial Trade and Investment Committee (JMTIC), composed of Senior Government Officials of the Competent Authorities and stakeholders who shall meet at least once a year alternately in the Kingdom of Eswatini or in the Republic of Serbia, to monitor implementation of this MoU and to identify further areas of cooperation.
2. MOU between the Ministry of ICT, Eswatini and the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, Serbia (NITRA)
The MoU intends to promote cooperation in science and innovation by undertaking a sustained effort to promote, facilitate and support collaboration between interested scientific organizations and companies.
The major aims of cooperation are in artificial intelligence, (AI), agriculture, ICT, innovation, and Research and Development(R&D), digital transformation, entrepreneurship and start-ups, data protection, smart city development, capacity building and development, etc.
3. MOU on Tourism Cooperation (Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Eswatini and Ministry of Tourism and Youth, Serbia)
The purpose of this MoU is to increase cooperation in tourism and promote cooperation in the following areas:
Exchange of information and know how, information on tourism investments, tourism innovation and digitalization, tourism education and vocational training, tourism regulatory framework, destination marketing and joint marketing initiatives, training in marketing activities and Meeting Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), among many others.
4. MOU on cooperation in the field of communications and information technology (Ministry of ICT Eswatini and Ministry of Information and Telecommunications, Serbia)
The Parties intend to promote cooperation between research institutions in both countries and contribute to their communications and information industries.
Major areas of cooperation will be in the: development of innovative solutions using 5G network, telecommunications in rural areas, postal services, digital skills development, cybersecurity, child online protection, e-signatures and trust services, eIDs, documentation and digitalization of cultural heritage, and others.
5. MOU between Science and Technology Park, Novi Sad and Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute of Serbia, and Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) and University of Eswatini (UNESWA)
The major aims are to collaborate on the development of Large Language Models (LLMs) and generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Siswati, promote digital inclusion and preserve linguistic and cultural heritage of Eswatini.
6. MOU on cooperation in the field of Education
The purpose of this MoU is to establish a framework for collaboration in the field of education.
This will include an exchange of postgraduate students for long-term and short-term courses, implementation of joint study courses, support for the establishment of a joint university in the fields of sciences technology, humanities, applied sciences, and the establishment of a joint science and technology park.
SERBIA BIG ON ICT–PPRESIDENT VUČIĆ
BELGRADE, SERBIA: The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, stated that his country is among the Top 50 global exporters of high-tech products in the ICT sector, establishing itself as a regional leader in innovation technologies.
Speaking at a roundtable titled “Serbia and Eswatini: Innovation as a Growth Driver,” Vučić highlighted the importance of domestic intellect, education, and state support.
He mentioned the significant progress in Serbia’s startup ecosystem, now valued at over one billion dollars, with 750 companies, 40 per cent of which were established in the last two to three years.
He said Serbia has developed several scientific and technological parks, innovation centres, and launched a fund for innovative activities.
Vučić emphasised Serbia’s advancements in artificial intelligence and agro-technology, noting partnerships and educational initiatives aimed at fostering innovation.
He discussed recent agreements with Eswatini to enhance collaboration in various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and education, aiming to strengthen ties and share expertise for mutual growth.
