The first diplomatic-sports games were recently opened in Belgrade, designed as a meeting place for representatives of embassies, international organisations, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

In a space shaped by strict protocols, informal dialogue, collegiality and friendship, sport proves to be the universal language of cooperation and trust.
It is with this motivation that the first Diplomatic-Sports Games were opened in Belgrade, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This ‘Diplomatic Olympics’ of sorts was designed as a meeting opportunity for representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organisations through sports competitions. The event was opened at the end of March by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Đurić, highlighting the importance of connecting sports and diplomacy as fields that share the principles of fair play, mutual respect, and understanding.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dušan Kozarev, explains for Dipos Magazine that this event will contribute to promoting Serbia as an open and hospitable country, ready to further improve its relations with the international community through innovative initiatives. The Games will also be an opportunity to promote sports as an important segment of social development, and a tool for strengthening a country’s image on the global stage.

‘The Diplomatic-Sports Games are more than just an athletic competition: they are a meeting place of different cultures, building mutual trust, and creating friendships that transcend the formal diplomatic frameworks. I am proud that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Marko Đurić, launched this initiative that promotes the values of fair play, team spirit, and mutual respect. An added value of the games is the fact that they are taking place in the lead-up to the Specialised EXPO 2027 Exhibition, whose title is ‘Play for Humanity – Sport and Music for All’. This is how the Diplomatic Games already contribute to the promotion of values which will be in the focus of this global event that we are proudly hosting owing to the state-building vision of President Aleksandar Vučić, further positioning Serbia as the place of significant historical encounters, Kozarev states.

You can read the full text in our Dipos Magazine.