Ambassador Peter Truswell on Australia-Serbia relations, the significance of Gallipoli, volunteers from two world wars...
Australia and Serbia have a long tradition of friendship and good bilateral relations, but there is always room for expanding trade, education, scientific cooperation, and partnerships in the field of renewable energy.
TL;DR
- Australia and Serbia share a long tradition of friendship and good bilateral relations.
- There are opportunities for expanding trade, education, scientific cooperation, and renewable energy partnerships between the two countries.
- ANZAC Day, commemorating the landing at Gallipoli in 1915, is a significant national day of remembrance in Australia, symbolizing courage, endurance, and sacrifice.
- The 'ANZAC legend' is an important part of the national identity of Australia and New Zealand.
- Australian historian Bojan Pajić has made significant contributions to increasing knowledge about the role of Australians who assisted Serbia during World War I.
- The Commonwealth Cemetery in Belgrade serves as a resting place for Australian and New Zealand soldiers, with 28 Australians and 15 New Zealanders buried there.
- Australia will host COP31, determining the negotiation agenda and working with the international community on climate change priorities.
- Australia is committed to a net-zero emission economy by 2050, leveraging its solar and wind resources and expertise.
- Climate change poses significant threats to Australia, including heatwaves, bushfires, droughts, floods, and rising sea levels.
- The Australian Embassy in Belgrade uses public diplomacy to foster better understanding of both countries, including culture and Indigenous contributions.
- Nearly 95,000 people in Australia identify as having Serbian ancestry, and over 57,000 speak the Serbian language.