Djuric with Ciriani: Italian soldiers in KFOR contribute to security and the protection of Serbian heritage in Kosovo and Metohija

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric met today with Italian Minister for Parliamentary Relations Luca Ciriani to discuss the advancement of bilateral relations, Serbia’s European path, and current regional issues. On this occasion, Djuric highlighted the engagement of Italian soldiers within KFOR, who make a significant contribution to preserving security and stability in Kosovo, as well as to protecting Serbian cultural heritage.

Djuric emphasized that Serbia and Italy maintain friendly and close relations based on a strategic partnership, recalling that Italy was the first European Union member state with which Serbia established this form of cooperation.

He assessed that Italy is one of Serbia’s most important economic partners and that there is mutual interest in further deepening cooperation, noting that Serbia is committed to developing an economy that has more than doubled its GDP over the past decade.

He expressed particular satisfaction with the continuity of political dialogue and the successful visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Belgrade, which, as he noted, confirmed the friendship between the two countries and gave new momentum to bilateral relations.

The Serbian foreign minister underlined that among Serbia’s key priorities are maintaining regional stability, preserving the country’s political and military neutrality, and joining the European Union. He expressed confidence that conditions will soon be created for the opening of Cluster 3, which would provide additional impetus to Serbia’s EU integration process.

He thanked Italy for its strong belief in Serbia’s European vision and for its continuous support of Serbia’s EU path.

Djuric particularly pointed out the engagement of Italian soldiers within KFOR who, as he stated, make an important contribution to maintaining security and stability in Kosovo and to protecting Serbian cultural heritage.

The minister also recalled that Serbia currently holds the presidency of the Central European Initiative (CEI), which, with Italy’s strong support, has been contributing to the economic development of its member states for three decades.

Djuric expressed his gratitude for the greetings that Minister Ciriani conveyed to him on behalf of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.