Canada and Serbia have positive and dynamic bilateral relations, with the potential for these relations to become even stronger
This year, Canada and Serbia are marking 80 years of diplomatic relations. Relations between these two countries quickly returned to a positive track after October 2000, and continue to expand and deepen. Canada strongly supports Serbia’s aspiration for EU membership. We talked about the relations between these two countries with the Ambassador of Canada to Serbia H.E. Giles Norman.
You came to Belgrade in the year when Serbia and Canada are celebrating a significant jubilee – 80 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Is this an opportunity to improve political dialogue between our countries?
There is always room for more political dialogue in relations between countries. We were pleased to host the Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Canada in Belgrade in 2018, but the political dialogue is not a pre-condition for many of the cooperation activities that are already taking place in commerce, culture, education and defence. Canada and Serbia have positive and dynamic bilateral relations, with the potential for these relations to become even stronger. Canada is deeply committed to multilateralism, so in addition to healthy bilateral relations between our two countries, we can step up our cooperation on issues of mutual relevance in multilateral forums, such as the OSCE and the Francophonie. We strongly support Serbia’s EU accession process, as we do for our Embassy’s two other countries of accreditation, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Due to the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), accession to the EU would automatically mean closer economic relations with Canada. Canada’s priorities in Serbia include increased bilateral commercial and economic cooperation. We also aim to promote democratic reform and good governance; rule of law and the fight against corruption; and respect for human and minority rights. Media freedom, for example, remains a serious concern in the region, and this is why we are glad that Serbia is a contributor to the Global Media Defence Fund, and a member of the Media Freedom Coalition, which Canada co-chairs. There are a number of examples of our successful cooperation. For instance, Canada supported Serbia’s successful effort to upgrade its membership status from observer to associate member of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) during the organization’s summit in Armenia in 2018. Canada supported Serbia’s successful candidacy to be re-elected to the UNESCO Executive Board for the 2019-2023 term.
Serbia wants to boost all forms of cooperation with Canada, given its international influence, the size of the Serbian diaspora in Canada etc. What is your assessment of overall relations between our two countries?
Our relations are positive and solid, with the potential for further growth. Recently, we have organized initiatives to promote cooperation in book publishing, and we have supported projects in Serbia to boost gender equality and combat gender-based violence, in support of our common values. There are 97,000 Canadians who self-identify as being of Serbian origin. However, this number is probably higher, as we assume that many Canadians self-identifying as Yugoslavs are likely of Serbian ethnic origin. Our friendship is evident at many levels, and I must reiterate my gratitude to Serbian authorities for facilitating the repatriation of Canadians in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on an Air Serbia charter flight one year ago. We have established a strong framework for cooperation through a number of bilateral agreements that are in force, covering taxation, social security, investment, air transportation and other areas. Through our Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, the Embassy supports projects with civil society organizations and NGOs, with a focus on gender equality, the empowerment of women and girls, peace and security, and inclusive governance and the rule of law. Our cultural and academic cooperation remains vibrant despite challenges posed by COVID-19 and continue to be a bridge between our two countries. We are proud of our regular Days of Canada program outside the capital of Belgrade, continuing presence of Canadian dance theatre, film and music at local festivals, as well as of the visual art exhibitions and over 300 Canadian titles translated into Serbian. Many of the internationally acclaimed Canadian artists are of Serbian origin. Our defence relations also open doors to cooperation, and we regularly welcome members of the Serbian Armed Forces on various Canadian defence and security courses.
Canada’s priorities in Serbia include increased bilateral commercial and economic co-operation.
Canadian investments in Serbia are growing, especially in the mining and energy sectors. How important is it for these segments to be properly regulated by laws and regulations and to apply innovative solutions and digital technologies?
Transparency, predictability and efficiency of the legislative framework is crucial for investments in any industry, especially in mining and energy having in mind the long-term nature of the project lifecycle in these industries.
After adopting the new Law on Mining in 2015, which relies on the best international practices from countries such as Canada or Australia, Serbia was ranked very high in the international mining community for its regulatory framework. We welcome the intention of the Ministry of Mining and Energy to further develop the mining regime and adjust it to the needs of the most important stakeholders: citizens of Serbia and the mining industry. Canada is committed to support that process and we will continue to discuss details of that cooperation with the Ministry.
What can we learn from Canadians in terms of sustainable development and environmental protection?
Canada has the second largest territory in the world, rich in wild, untouched nature and diversified natural resources. Our population of over 37 million people represents a unique mixture of inhabitants living in modern, urban areas such as the big cities of Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver, as well as in distant territories such as Nunavut.
Whether living in Toronto or in Iqaluit, people have the right to clean air, water and soil and Canadian companies and associations, especially in mining and energy, are recognized for their leadership in developing sustainable business models and practices in these industries.
The Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) standard is a globally recognized sustainability program that supports mining companies in managing key environmental and social risks. TSM was the first mining sustainability standard in the world to require site-level assessments and is mandatory for all companies that are members of implementing associations. Through TSM, eight critical aspects of social and environmental performance are evaluated, independently validated, and publicly reported against 30 distinct performance indicators.
Increasingly, other mining associations, governments, investors, and manufacturers are looking to TSM as global best practice in sustainable and responsible mining. In recent years, mining associations in Spain, Finland, Norway, Botswana, Argentina, Brazil, and the Philippines have adopted the program. We hope to work with Serbian mining authorities on the adoption of the standard in this country as well.
Are there any Canadian companies interested in investing in other economic branches and what can we do to make Serbia more attractive for the arrival of as many Canadian investors as possible?
Although Canada is mostly recognized for its past and current investments in the mining industry in Serbia, we have much more to offer to Serbia and especially in the sectors such as clean technologies and renewable energy sources. Canada and Serbia have both committed to climate change mitigation and adaption under Paris Agreement and we are looking forward to working together on issues such as decarbonizing local energy production and introducing more renewable energy sources. Canada’s experience in water management, decarbonisation of district heating systems or introduction of large solar plants can add value to Serbia’s goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 and coping with increasing problems with air pollution.
The adoption of the four laws on energy and mining in April created a solid ground for the acceleration of investments in these sectors and we will be looking forward to promote Serbia as a good investment location to Canadian companies. I trust that subsectors of water and wastewater management and renewable energy sources will be of particular interest to our companies and I expect to see more Canadian projects in Serbia.
Continuity and predictability of and respect for the enhanced regulatory framework will be of essential importance in attracting and maintaining the interest of international investors in looking into Serbia as a potential destination for their future projects.
We have much more to offer to Serbia and especially in the sectors such as clean technologies and renewable energy sources.
There has been a lot of talk about introducing direct flights between Canada and Serbia? How much would that contribute to economic cooperation?
In May 2018 Canada and Serbia have signed an Air Transport Agreement as part of the ongoing process of acquiring the necessary permits to allow direct Air Serbia flights between Belgrade and Toronto. The Embassy of Canada supports the Serbian national air carrier’s efforts in receiving these permits, but the decision on further developments is with Air Serbia. The introduction of a direct flight between Canada and Serbia would be highly welcomed by the large Serbian and regional diaspora in Canada, as well as by businesses from both countries as it would encourage the further expansion of growing economic ties between the two countries.
What are your first impressions of Serbia and what do you especially like here?
Positive. The Serbian people have lived up to their well-deserved reputation for warm hospitality and my family and I have been made to feel very welcome. The pandemic situation has limited my ability to travel outside Belgrade but I am hoping to change that soon and see more of this beautiful country. The scale of the investment activity in Serbia from a range of countries was something I hadn’t appreciated before my arrival and is impressive. I have also been struck by how many Serbs have relatives and family in Canada, almost everyone I meet from all walks of life know someone living in Canada. It will be a priority of my time in Serbia to use these people-to-people links to broaden and strengthen the relationship between our two countries.