Djuric: Every Serbian diplomatic mission abroad should be an Office for Kosovo and Metohija

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated today at the opening of the Ambassadorial Conference at the Sava Center in Belgrade that such a conference is being held after more than a decade.

"We have gathered to review Serbia’s diplomatic mission in what is the most challenging time so far. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be the pillar and main support for all institutions in conducting diplomacy. At the outset, I would like to quote the famous US President Abraham Lincoln, who said that the best way to predict the future is to create it. I am happy because we will provide answers on what Serbia should do regarding the countries in our immediate vicinity, but also the world," Djuric said.

He added that Serbia continues to pursue a policy of outreach.

"The key national priorities are the preservation of social and economic stability, but also independence in conducting foreign policy, the development of the economy, focusing on the demographic renewal of our society with a great need to make life more attractive for younger generations in Serbia, as well as the preservation of the identity, culture, and traditions of Serbs and all other peoples in our country," the Minister emphasized.

He stressed that ambassadors are tasked with building a network of friends around the world.

"We invited the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan as an honorary guest for a reason. We are inspired by how they managed to create a network of friends and achieve some of their national goals," Djuric said.

He added that he is counting on the continued dedicated and tireless work of ambassadors on all interests of the Republic of Serbia.

"You will always have our support. I will also inform you that we are intensively working on the reform and modernization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. All that is not visible in the media, but which is crucial for the quality of ambassadors’ work. In the coming years, the Ministry will welcome a large number of highly skilled professionals. In the coming weeks, we will launch the 'Be a Serbian Diplomat' campaign to recruit young people proficient in modern technologies and languages, so they can become the key bearers of Serbian diplomacy in the future," Djuric said.

Djuric emphasized that, "as part of the fight to protect our statehood in Kosovo and Metohija and to support the team headed by Petar Petkovic, a center for the protection of territorial integrity has been established within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

"We want every embassy and consulate of ours to also be an Office for Kosovo and Metohija, providing information, arguments, and contacts to form an opinion on this crucial state and national issue for us," Djuric stated.

He added that the year 2025 will mark the celebration of the UN Charter.

"Serbia will be the strongest bulwark for the principle that all states should be equal in international relations. Serbia's EU membership remains the absolute strategic priority of our diplomatic network. This is true both in EU member states and in those with opposing views on the Union. It is your job to explain the essence of our policy. It is important to highlight that when Serbia becomes a member, it will take an equal place and participate in decision-making. I am proud of the fact that we are pursuing a multivector foreign policy. Two weeks ago, we hosted the Ministers of National Security and Internal Security from 40 African countries in Belgrade. This showed the strength of the comparative advantage our country has in relation to the region. Our task is to emphasize this advantage in all host countries. This is an opportunity for our economy," Djuric said.

He added that this is the first ambassadorial conference in the past 12 years.

"Only in Europe have we made 15 bilateral visits. I am pleased to see all of you. What we do is a calling. In diplomatic service, we had members who lost their lives in the line of duty. Serbian diplomacy will continue to develop. I am confident that with the new administration in the US, we will contribute to the achievement of peace in our region. We will strengthen our friendships, improve relations with China, maintain relations with Russia, and adhere to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, as well as the famous thought of Saint Sava, the true founder of our diplomacy, who wrote that Serbia is the East in the West, the West in the East, and above both the East and the West," Djuric said.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov said that Serbia and Azerbaijan have maintained excellent relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1977.

"Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev said that our two countries are committed to the highest level of strategic partnership. The Strategic Partnership Council is something that has contributed to improving our relations," Bayramov said.

He emphasized that Azerbaijan and Serbia are considering the possibility of building a gas power plant in Serbia.

"Our countries are well-positioned to be transit routes. The twinning of cities between Azerbaijan and Serbia has played an important role. I am amazed at all the similarities between Serbia and Azerbaijan. I am pleased that Serbia has the opportunity to host EXPO," Bayramov emphasized.

National Assembly President Ana Brnabic said that it is a great achievement for Serbia to host such a conference and bring together ambassadors in one place.

"This is an opportunity to look at all the challenges before us, but also the opportunities ahead in Serbia's foreign policy. Over the last ten years, we have created added value for our citizens, economy, and the people living in Serbia. Our task is not only to preserve national interests but also to strengthen Serbia. Your role in representing Serbia in the world is invaluable and will become even more important. From my experience, I see diplomacy as an art, especially in today's world. From what Bayramov said, it is important for our citizens to realize that diplomacy is not just about politics but also about knowledge of the economy, culture, energy, sports, and relations with the diaspora," Brnabic said.

She added that Serbia is actively participating in shaping the future of the European continent today.

"This is evident when you look at the frequency of visits by the most important officials. Serbia has been visited by the Chinese President, the French Prime Minister, the President of the European Commission, the President of the United Arab Emirates, the President of Turkey, and many others... With that in mind, the diplomatic network must adjust to the challenges ahead, as well as the changed image of Serbia in the world. Next year, several important anniversaries will be marked. These anniversaries remind us of significant political processes that have shaped our future. There will be many challenges. Diplomacy carries great responsibility. It is important to strengthen and change relations in the region," Brnabic emphasized.

She added that Serbia's priority is EU membership.

"We must carry out all the reforms ahead of us, and we must do so in a way that preserves our national interests. We have chosen our Serbian path. It is a path full of obstacles, but it offers us opportunities for stability. The European path, but with strengthened relations with our traditional partners. Cooperation with all European countries is our priority. Serbia has only in 2024 concluded a free trade agreement with China, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. We are in the process of concluding agreements with South Korea. Ambassadors, you are the face of Serbia in the world. You are the ones who must constantly convey the message of how much Serbia has progressed in the past ten years," Brnabic said.

She added that work on regional stability must continue.

"A nation that wants to be respected in the world must set an example for others. We must be proactive in foreign policy and be part of the global debate on the future of Europe. My goal is to work on strengthening parliamentary democracy in the period ahead. As an institution, as the highest representative body, we must open up and try to show unity to the world. Our parliament must be a pillar in building bilateral relations with countries that are important partners and with organizations in which Serbia is a member," the President of the National Assembly said.