Burkina Faso and Serbia deepen defence and security ties

Ouagadougou and Belgrade are strengthening their bilateral cooperation, with a strong focus on defence, security and training. On June 3, 2026, a high-level Serbian parliamentary delegation led by Slavenko Ristic arrived in Burkina Faso for a working visit aimed at exploring new partnership opportunities between the two nations.

A warm welcome awaited the delegation, headed by Burkina Faso’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and Burkinabè Abroad, Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré, alongside Deputy Minister Bêbgnasgnan Stella Eldine Kabré/Kaboré. The talks centred on identifying concrete ways to deepen collaboration in strategic sectors.

Slavenko Ristic, who also serves as CEO of the Serbian defence technology firm Tehnicki Remont Bratunac, praised Burkina Faso’s current leadership and praised President Ibrahim Traoré’s vision. “The President’s direction is clear and commands widespread respect in Serbia,” he remarked. He went on to highlight Serbia’s growing ambition to play a more active role in Africa, declaring: “Africa represents the future, and we want to be part of that future.”

Minister Karamoko Jean Marie Traoré welcomed the initiative, calling it a sign of Serbia’s rising interest in Burkina Faso. He noted that both countries still have untapped potential in their bilateral relationship and stressed the importance of building mutually beneficial partnerships.

During the discussions, Minister Traoré outlined Burkina Faso’s strategy to diversify its international partnerships, placing special emphasis on Eastern European countries. “We are actively seeking reliable partners to build long-term, win-win cooperation,” he stated. He also invited Serbia to help bridge understanding between African realities and European policymakers.

In response, Slavenko Ristic pledged to advocate for Burkina Faso and Africa’s interests within European decision-making circles, aiming to help rebalance Euro-African cooperation frameworks.

This meeting marks a meaningful step forward in the growing ties between Ouagadougou and Belgrade, as Burkina Faso continues to pursue a more diversified foreign policy on the global stage.