As part of planning of Switzerland’s cooperation activities, SDC and SECO traditionally elaborate Cooperation Strategies with the countries which they are working in. Cooperation Strategies are reference documents for the Swiss cooperation, stating goals, priorities, strategic dimensions and operational principles of SDC and SECO in partner countries.

In 2005, SDC and SECO embarked on an exercise to elaborate a Swiss Cooperation Strategy with the then State Union of Serbia and Montenegro (SCG). A stocktaking exercise to base the Cooperation Strategy was undertaken, in the form of an Evaluation of the Swiss cooperation programme with SCG.

Before the Cooperation Strategy was adopted, the Republic of Montenegro became independent, making adaptations in the document necessary. Consequently, the Cooperation Strategy distinguishes between both countries of the former SCG. The bulk of the Cooperation Strategy is devoted to the cooperation with the Republic of Serbia whereas the contours of the cooperation with the Republic of Montenegro are outlined in an Orientation Note attached to it.