Djuric and Gori discuss challenges facing Serbs in Kosovo: Construction of Ibar bridges a new provocation by Pristina

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Djuric, met today with the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy to Serbia, H.E. Luca Gori, to discuss Serbia’s European path and the next steps in advancing the bilateral agenda. The Minister also raised serious concerns over the recent laying of foundation stones for two new bridges over the Ibar River, describing it as another destabilizing move by the authorities in Pristina.

Minister Djuric expressed satisfaction with the traditionally friendly and stable relations between Serbia and Italy, which are grounded in a strategic partnership, a dynamic exchange of high-level visits, and strong economic cooperation. He emphasized that over the past year, significant progress has been made in areas of mutual importance.

“Serbia is committed to continuing a fruitful political dialogue with friendly Italy, a country that plays a fundamentally important role in European and global developments,” Minister Djuric said, reiterating Serbia’s deep appreciation for Italy’s steadfast support in the country’s European integration process—particularly through its engagement in the “Friends of the Western Balkans” group.

In this context, he reaffirmed that full membership in the European Union remains Serbia’s strategic objective, underscoring the firm determination of the Serbian Government to implement the necessary political, economic, and legislative reforms by the end of next year, and to demonstrate—through a serious and responsible approach—that it deserves an equal place at the European table.

Regarding the situation in Kosovo, Minister Djuric voiced grave concern over the laying of foundation stones for two new bridges across the Ibar River, calling it yet another in a series of destabilizing and provocative actions by the Pristina authorities.

“This act clearly demonstrates that the goal of Kurti’s administration is not to facilitate freedom of movement, as claimed, but rather to continue intimidating the Serbian population and create an environment that will force more Serbs to leave Kosovo and Metohija,” Minister Djuric stated.

He further stressed that, under such complex and extremely difficult circumstances for the Serbian community, the role of the KFOR Mission as the guarantor of security in Kosovo is of vital importance for the survival of Serbs in the province.

In that regard, Minister Djuric conveyed his special thanks for Italy’s continued contribution to peace and stability in Kosovo through the active engagement of Italian troops within the KFOR Mission, as well as for the protection provided to the Serbian Orthodox Monastery of Visoki Decani near Pec.