Djuric: Intensive dialogue with Washington regarding the situation in Kosovo and Metohija

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Djuric, stated that during his visit to Washington he will discuss, among other matters, the position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, noting that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the strategic dialogue with Albin Kurti’s government precisely because of their treatment of the Serbian community.

“We are engaged in very intensive discussions with Washington regarding the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, and I would like to remind that President Trump’s administration suspended the strategic dialogue with Kurti’s government largely due to the position of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija,” Djuric said.

He added that, in addition to Kosovo-related issues, his visit will also include discussions on other topics, and that later today he will hold meetings with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State.

On the agenda, he noted, will be everything from bilateral relations between Serbia and the United States, issues concerning the Petroleum Industry of Serbia, as well as Kosovo and Metohija, regional developments, and ways in which Serbia seeks—and is able—to seize the unique opportunity to make a new stride in bilateral relations during the current U.S. administration of President Trump and the present administration in Serbia.

“This means that discussions will also cover the strategic dialogue between Serbia and the United States,” Djuric stated, adding that in Washington, alongside himself and ministry colleagues, are also Minister Nemanja Starovic—attending meetings within a conservative political organization—and Arnaud Guyon.

He noted that energy will also be discussed, always a complex topic, but stressed that Serbian officials will spare no effort to secure the best possible outcome for Serbia.

Djuric underscored that they will continue to inform the public in a clear, open, and transparent manner about all developments related to the energy situation, reiterating that people in Serbia need not worry about fuel supply or similar matters.

According to him, Serbia has been responsibly preparing for this energy crisis.

“We expect, consider it necessary, and demand that Serbian interests be fully taken into account when it comes to the Petroleum Industry of Serbia, because Serbia did not, through any fault of its own, find itself in a situation where NIS is sanctioned by decisions of the Biden administration. And it would be unacceptable for Serbia’s economy or any other segment of our society to bear consequences now, during the administration of President Trump,” Djuric emphasized.

Pointing out that cooperation between Serbia and the United States is extremely important for developments in the Balkans, Djuric stressed that Serbia approaches this cooperation with great responsibility and enthusiasm.

“We believe that our interests can align on many different issues, and we will work in that direction. Building a Serbian lobby in Washington is not solely the task of the ambassador, myself, or any individual—it is the responsibility of our entire society, of the Serbian community in the United States, which numbers over one million. It is our shared responsibility to strengthen our capacities here, and this visit is aimed precisely in that direction,” the Serbian foreign minister said.

He added that later this evening he will meet with the Chair of the Serbian Caucus, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney from New York, a proven friend of Serbia who has sponsored legislation in the U.S. Congress in support of the Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija.

Djuric recalled that even well before the Trump administration took office, the Congresswoman had called for what has now taken place—namely, the suspension of the strategic dialogue with Pristina until the position of Serbs is improved.