Djuric: The issue of Kosovo and Metohija is not just territorial, it is a question of identity

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric told TRT World at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum that Serbia remains firmly committed to the principles of international law, dialogue, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts around the world, emphasizing that the stability of the Balkans cannot be isolated from broader European and global security.

Speaking about the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, Djuric said that Serbia remains strongly committed to continuing talks under the auspices of the European Union, but expects respect for previously reached agreements.

“For us, the issue of Kosovo and Metohija is not just territorial – it is a question of identity. It is the seat of our church, the Patriarchate of Pec, which has existed for over eight centuries and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The Patriarch cannot visit this monastery. It is a deeply emotional matter for our people. Nevertheless, we are constructively participating in the dialogue because we want a stable, secure, and prosperous environment. Unfortunately, we are witnessing unilateral moves by the authorities in Pristina, which lead to the restriction of the collective political and cultural rights of Serbs in Kosovo. That is why we are concerned and insist on the implementation of the Brussels Agreement,” Djuric said.

He noted that, as Foreign Minister, he takes part in many forums and gatherings, but emphasized that this year's Antalya Forum set a new standard.

“Not just in terms of the number of participants, but in the depth and importance of the messages sent. The speech by the President of Turkey, especially the part where he emphasized the need to re-establish diplomacy and dialogue as the main means of resolving the growing number of international crises, was a powerful encouragement in the direction we also support,” Djuric stated.

Speaking about the war in Ukraine, Djuric stressed that Serbia, as a country with painful experience of conflict in the 1990s, sympathizes with the victims and supports a diplomatic approach to resolving the crisis. He also emphasized that Serbia supports every effort toward peace and reminded that Belgrade has offered to host dialogue between the warring parties.

“I come from a region where memories of a similar conflict are still fresh. It is painful to witness the suffering continuing for a fourth year now, in the most horrific and acute way. Serbia is in favor of a diplomatic solution for this conflict, a solution, of course, that would be based on the principles of international public law. President Vucic offered earlier this year for Belgrade to host any form of dialogue between the sides in conflict, as we believe we can contribute to peace. We see it as our vital interest – humanitarian, security-wise, and economic – since the Balkans are only a few hundred miles from the front lines,” he said.

Djuric also addressed the conflict in Gaza, stating that Serbia is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to help, including efforts to secure the release of a Serbian citizen held hostage.

“Alon Ohel was kidnapped on October 7 last year. He is a citizen of both Serbia and Israel, his grandfather is from Novi Sad, and he is my relative. Alon is a civilian, an artist, a pianist, who took no part in any military activity. Sadly, he was caught in a tragic set of circumstances. I take this opportunity to appeal for his immediate release. Serbia has sent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and firmly believes that it is high time for diplomacy to return to the center of resolving this issue, because although there is much talk, what we need now are concrete results,” Djuric emphasized.

Asked how the people of Serbia view the conflict, Djuric said that the Serbian people want peace, as evidenced by Serbia’s concrete actions on the international stage.

“Serbia is participating in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, with around 200 soldiers deployed along the Litani River. This shows our commitment to peace and stability, even though we are not a large country. Of course, we are concerned for the safety of our soldiers, as well as for all peacekeepers. Those working to establish peace must not be placed in danger,” the minister said.

On the topic of energy, Djuric highlighted Serbia’s efforts to ensure energy security, including a strategic agreement with the United States and strong ties with Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Russia. He added that Serbia is engaging with all partners to avoid the negative effects of sanctions on its citizens.

“Last September in Washington, I signed a strategic partnership agreement with the United States in the field of energy. In addition, we have excellent cooperation with Azerbaijan, Turkey, and other countries. Of course, there’s also our traditional cooperation with Russia, which owns the NIS company. We are in dialogue with all actors to ensure that our citizens do not feel the effects of sanctions, which – according to those imposing them – are not intended to harm ordinary people. It is our obligation to protect our citizens and ensure stable energy supplies,” he said.

Finally, Djuric spoke about relations with the United States, noting that a new administration under Donald Trump could bring a positive shift.

“Donald Trump is the most popular Western politician in Serbia. This isn’t ideologically driven – both left-leaning and right-leaning citizens in Serbia see in Trump a potential reset of relations with the US. Unlike the 1990s, we now have much more stable relations and have already launched a strategic dialogue with the United States. We would like to see those relations become even more substantial and stronger in the period ahead,” Djuric concluded.