Djuric and Finnish Foreign Minister discuss Belgrade–Pristina dialogue and the difficult situation of the Serbian people in Kosovo

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met today in Helsinki with Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, to discuss the intensification of political dialogue, economic cooperation, and the advancement of bilateral relations in all areas of mutual interest, as well as the state of the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue and the difficult situation of the Serbian people in Kosovo.

Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome and Minister Valtonen’s personal contribution to the development of relations between Serbia and Finland, Djuric conveyed that Serbia remains firmly committed to further strengthening bilateral ties. He noted that high-level meetings and contacts demonstrate the two countries’ dedication to enhancing overall relations, according to a statement issued by Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Such engagement has created strong momentum for further expanding cooperation and unlocking new potential in relations between Serbia and Finland,” Djuric emphasized.

The Serbian Foreign Minister also stressed that Serbia attaches particular importance to the visit, noting that more than a decade has passed since the last official visit by a Serbian foreign minister to Finland.

He added that the discussions with Finland’s highest-ranking officials constitute an important signal of mutual trust and support.

In the context of Serbia’s European integration process, Djuric expressed his expectation of continued support for Serbia’s further progress on its EU path, including the swift opening of Cluster 3, as well as the remaining negotiating clusters.

Addressing the situation in Kosovo, Djuric briefed Minister Valtonen on the current state of the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, assessing that the process is currently at a standstill. He also spoke about the difficult circumstances faced by the Serbian community in Kosovo under the present conditions.

At the same time, Djuric thanked Finland for its contribution to preserving security in Kosovo through its participation in the KFOR mission.

The two ministers also exchanged views on current international issues, as well as on the positions of Serbia and Finland in the contemporary geopolitical environment. Regional developments were likewise discussed.

Speaking about prospects for cooperation, the interlocutors agreed that there is considerable room for further advancement in the economic sphere, as well as in the fields of energy, information and communication technologies, and innovative technologies. Particular attention was devoted to opportunities for expanding cooperation in promoting start-ups and entrepreneurship and strengthening links between Serbian and Finnish institutions within innovation ecosystems, including through events such as the Slush conference in Helsinki.