After the death of Iran’s President Ibrahim Raisi, reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian won the elections held on June 28, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in Iran’s foreign policy. On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vulin visited Tehran and conveyed his congratulations to Masoud Pezeshkian.
Vulin, who attended Pezeshkian’s inauguration ceremony, emphasized that permanent and mutual respect is essential in the relations between the two countries and her gratitude to Iran in this regard.[i] This situation creates a positive ground for strengthening diplomatic relations. The fact that Serbia’s stance in domestic politics finds support from Iran is one of the clear sign of political solidarity between the two countries. This revives a historic spirit of cooperation between thm. The fact that Iran’s new President Massoud Pezeshkian describes the Serbian state as a “friend of bad times”[ii] supports this solidarity.
Pezeshkiyan, who was the chairman of the Iran-Serbian Parliamentary Friendship Group while he was a member of parliament, emphasized that the continuity of parliamentary cooperation is significant for the two countries to sign more comprehensive relations.[iii] He also stated that this agreement should be implemented as soon as possible. The active role of the Parliamentary Friendship Group is likely to provide mutual benefits to Iran and Serbia in various areas, such as regional stability and development goals, by faciliating the deepening of diplomatic and economic ties.
When analyzing relations between Serbia and Iran, it is important to consider Serbia’s position in international politics and its foreign policy orientation. Despite being a candidate country for the European Union (EU), Serbia is subject to EU sanctions, while also facing sanctions from the United States and several other countries due to its close ties with Russia. In this context, Vulin’s visit to Tehran and possible collaborations in the future show that Serbia is looking for an alliance or support in the international arena.
When we look at the historical relations of Iran and Serbia, it is seen that they have common interests and rivals in various periods. Therefore, it can be said that there is no surprise in terms of the level their current political relations have reached. Because it is known that historically Belgrade and Tehran have maintained friendly relations, particularly during Tito’s administration, and the frequency of visits to Iran is well known.[iv] However, the support of Bosnians from Iran in the late 20th century caused the relations to deteriorate.[v] The process of building damaged relations has accelerated with the start of a series of high-level meetings in 2021. Vulin’s visit to Tehran is positioned as a building block of these relations that have gained momentum in recent years.
Vulin’s visits and meetings have been the focus of criticism. Among these criticisms is whether the official visit served any purpose beyond protocol and diplomatic relations between Serbia and Iran. In addition to this situation, not only Serbia’s foreign policy with Iran but also its relations with Ukraine, China and Germany were criticized. As a matter of fact, it is stated that Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić follows a “complex foreign policy”.[vi] Vucic’s favorable stance towards Russia, China, and Iran is interpreted as making an axis choice in foreign policy.[vii]
The official visit of Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksander Vulin in Tehran and his meetings with the new President of Iran Massoud Pezeshkian indicate that the relations between the two states are deepening. Moreover, Serbia’s view of Iran as a strategic partner on the international stage demonstrates a broader perspective in Serbian foreign policy. This visit of Vulin to Iran contributes to the strengthening of existing relations between the two countries and is considered as a step that strengthens Serbia’s position in international politics. The leaders’ statements about general Iran-Serbia relations reveal the determined attitudes of both countries towards improving relations. The determination of Iran and Serbia in this process may open the door to more comprehensive cooperation and strategic partnerships in the future.
As a result, Iran and Serbia have historically maintained friendly relations. Serbia has supported Iran’s international policies and engaged in joint projects and investments in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and industry. In particular, Iran’s being affected by international sanctions causes it to increase economic cooperation with countries that share similar interests, such as Serbia.Iran’s regional policies and Serbia’s relations with the EU could influence bilateral relations. Serbia’s goal of EU membership may require it to balance its international relations, potentially limiting its relationship with Iran. Additionally, Iran’s international isolation and sanctions could affect these relations in the long term.
[i] “The Deputy PM of Serbia met with the newly elected President of Iran”, Sarajevo Times, https://sarajevotimes.com/the-deputy-pm-of-serbia-met-with-the-newly-elected-president-of-iran/, (Date Accessed: 02.08.2024).
[ii] “Pezeshkian terms Serbia ‘a friend of tough times’ for Iran”, IRNA, https://en.irna.ir/news/85554780/Pezeshkian-terms-Serbia-a-friend-of-tough-times-for-Iran, (Date Accessed: 02.08.2024).
[iii] Ibid.
[iv] “Serbia’s deputy PM visits Tehran to boost bilateral links”, Intellinews, https://www.intellinews.com/serbia-s-deputy-pm-visits-tehran-to-boost-bilateral-links-336129/?source=iran, (Date Accessed: 04.08.2024).
[v] Ibid.
[vi] Ibid.
[vii] “Zašto je Vulin išao u Iran: “Vučiću bliski autokratski režimi, Srbija pod njim kao prase u Teheranu”, 021, https://www.021.rs/story/Info/Srbija/383095/Zasto-je-Vulin-isao-u-Iran-Vucicu-bliski-autokratski-rezimi-Srbija-pod-njim-kao-prase-u-Teheranu.html (Date Accessed: 04.08.2024).
