The Republic of Guinea-Bissau, an African country on the Atlantic coast, has officially confirmed its participation in the Expo 2027 Belgrade, which will take place from May 15 to August 15, 2027, under the theme "Play for Humanity".

This country, located in the far west of the world's second-largest and most populous continent, became a Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) member in 2007 and has been participating in International Exhibitions since 1991.

Cultural Diversity

Guinea-Bissau is made up of various ethnic groups, the most prominent of which are the Balanta, Fula, Manjaco, Mandinka, Papel, and Bijagós. Although Guinea-Bissau Creole is the main language of communication, each of the aforementioned groups has its own language and cultural traditions, which speaks volumes about the cultural and artistic diversity of this country, which gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

In two years, Guinea-Bissau will bring the unique spirit of West Africa to Belgrade and Serbia, to the heart of Europe, which is reflected in musical genres such as gumbe, tina, and kusunde, traditional instruments such as the kora, bumbulum, drum, and balafon, as well as numerous dances with colorful choreographies that are performed during harvest, weddings, funerals, and initiation rituals.

In addition to being known for its exceptionally rich biodiversity, which is particularly noticeable in the Bijagós archipelago, which is protected by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, Guinea-Bissau is also known as a country of sports. As in much of the world, the most popular sport is football, and some of the globally famous footballers from this country are Barcelona aces Ansu Fati and Alejandro Balde, English Everton striker Beto or Red Star midfielder Dálcio Gomes. The country also has great potential in martial arts, and judo, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu are just some of them, in which Guinea-Bissau has produced a large number of champions in both male and female competition.

Relations with Serbia

Serbia and Guinea-Bissau have traditionally had good and friendly relations since the period of Yugoslavia, which comprehensively supported the struggle of the Guinea-Bissau people for independence and freedom from Portugal.

Political contacts between the two countries were renewed in 2017 through mutual visits by state officials, and in the same year, the Government of the Republic of Serbia declared May 25th the Day of Friendship with the Peoples of Africa.

Expo 2027 Belgrade will therefore be an ideal opportunity to reaffirm Serbia's friendship with Guinea-Bissau, but also with the whole of Africa, which will be represented by a large number of countries at the Specialized Expo.

"Serbia has always had great respect for Africa's long-standing desire for freedom, its rich cultural and historical heritage, customs, and traditions, and we are therefore very pleased that in two years, all this magnificent diversity will be showcased in Belgrade. We are proud that the most beautiful image of Africa and Guinea-Bissau will be sent to the world from the Serbian capital, and we hope that many other countries will follow their example", said Dušan Borovčanin, CEO of Expo 2027 d.o.o. Belgrade.

The first Specialized Expo in the Western Balkans will take place in Belgrade from May 15 to August 15, 2027, with the participation of over 120 countries, international organizations, and companies. Expo 2027 is expected to attract more than four million visitors during its 93-day run.