Djuric at the commemoration of Serbian Diplomacy Day: Serbia remains committed to dialogue as the only path to resolving the Kosovo issue

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated today, on the occasion of Serbian Diplomacy Day, that Serbia remains committed to dialogue as the only sustainable path to resolving the Kosovo issue. He emphasized that, amid complex global circumstances, Serbia continues to pursue a policy of peace, dialogue, cooperation, and independent decision-making, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The commemoration of Serbian Diplomacy Day was attended by members of the diplomatic corps and employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Recalling that the Principality’s Department of Foreign Affairs was established on 29 May 1839, Djuric noted that throughout history Serbian diplomacy has served as a guardian of freedom, state dignity, and national interests.

“Nearly two centuries later, we gather not only to mark an institution, but also to pay tribute to an idea—that dialogue is stronger than isolation and that bridges between people and nations are more important than the walls that divide them. That idea has guided Serbian diplomacy through generations. Today, in a world that often appears uncertain, divided, and unsettled, it is more important than ever,” Djuric stated.

The Minister stressed that Serbia pursues a balanced and principled foreign policy, with a particular focus on preserving regional stability and strengthening cooperation in the Western Balkans. He added that Serbia remains committed to dialogue as the only sustainable path toward resolving the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, while respecting international law and protecting the rights of the Serbian people.

“The Western Balkans has experienced enough divisions over generations to fully understand the true value of stability. We know the cost of instability and how fragile peace can become when dialogue is absent. Therefore, Serbia will continue to be a factor of peace, predictability, and cooperation in the region. Our policy of extending a hand of cooperation is not merely declarative—it is reflected in concrete initiatives concerning infrastructure connectivity, energy cooperation, the free movement of people, goods, and capital, as well as participation in numerous regional frameworks,” Djuric emphasized.

Speaking about European integration, Djuric reiterated that Serbia remains firmly committed to membership in the European Union, expressing the belief that the integration process should deliver tangible benefits to citizens and businesses alike.

“A more connected Europe is a stronger Europe. And Serbia is ready to contribute to that shared future,” the Minister underlined.

The Serbian Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of economic diplomacy, noting that Serbia is today the largest and most dynamic economy in the Western Balkans, recognized as a country of knowledge, innovation, and investment potential.

“The task of our diplomacy is to present Serbia to the world as a country of talent, knowledge, and ambition—a place where ideas are born and where perhaps a new Tesla, Pupin, or Mileva Maric is still waiting for an opportunity,” Djuric said.

Referring to the organization of Expo 2027, the Minister emphasized that the confirmation of participation by more than 130 countries is the result of intensive and dedicated diplomatic efforts, contributing to the strengthening of Serbia’s international standing.

Djuric also stated that one of the priorities of Serbian diplomacy remains the preservation of the national identity, language, and culture of the Serbian people abroad, noting that new supplementary Serbian-language schools have recently been opened around the world.

The Minister further emphasized that Serbia has strengthened its international position in recent years and improved the standing of its citizens globally, as reflected in the advancement of the Serbian passport on the Henley Passport Index.

He also pointed out that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to modernize its diplomatic and consular network, enhance its analytical capacities, and expand Serbia’s diplomatic presence worldwide.

The ceremony marking Serbian Diplomacy Day was held at Lozionica, where an exhibition dedicated to diplomatic uniforms was also opened.

Minister Djuric laid a wreath in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building at the site where police officer Nenad Nikolic lost his life during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign.