Both countries were active members of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War. Within the Non-Aligned Movement which included a large number of participating states Yugoslavia and Congo belonged to different sub-groupings. Yugoslavia belonged to the movements self-described core members which advocated for equidistance towards both blocs during the Cold War, while Congo belonged to the group of self-described progressive members which promoted thesis of the natural identity of interest between Soviet socialism and colonial people of Africa and Asia independence struggle. This difference however did not prevent development of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Yugoslavia was represented in the Republic of the Congo via its embassy in Brazzaville.[2]
Two countries established cooperation in various fields including in culture where Yugoslav Filmske novosti reached a significant level of cooperation of a scientific, technical and cultural nature.[5] This lasting cooperation formed an extensive archive as well as Filmske novosti school that was attended by future cameramen and editors from African countries who later shaped their national cinema.[5] The first formal two years long cultural collaboration program between the two countries was signed in 1968.[6]
