Djuric from Istanbul: We have clearly presented our positions on Kosovo and Metohija

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated from Istanbul that although Belgrade and Ankara do not share the same views on Kosovo, it is important to engage in open discussions on difficult topics. Speaking at a meeting held within the framework of the Balkan Peace Platform, Djuric emphasized that Serbia is advocating for its interests, including the issue of Kosovo, in all international forums.

“We also had a separate bilateral meeting—Mr. Fidan and I—where we discussed Serbian-Turkish relations as well as today’s summit. I would like to highlight that our cooperation is, among other things, shaped by the fact that President Vucic and President Erdoğan have exceptionally good personal relations and cooperation. Of course, we also talked about difficult issues, and just as President Vucic always openly points out that Serbia is not pleased with the stance on certain matters in the region—and especially with regard to the Kosovo and Metohija issue—we do not share the same views. We definitely need to learn how to talk openly about difficult issues and strive for greater mutual understanding,” said Djuric.

He added that this should be understood as a form of lobbying for better cooperation, even on sensitive matters.

“We are lobbying for Serbian interests here in Istanbul, just as we do in Brussels, and I believe this meeting will attract attention in Brussels as well. It should be interpreted as an expression of our ambition for Serbia’s European aspirations to be understood in a way that enables a faster integration process and better appreciation of what Serbia can contribute,” he stated.

Djuric also expressed support for the EU Growth Plan.

“We would very much like to receive, as some EU member states do, 600 euros per capita annually in budgetary support from European funds, as opposed to the current approximately 90 euros, of which 60 are loans rather than grants from European countries. I think there is much we can coordinate on. Among other things, countries in our region face similar challenges regarding visa policies, and we can contribute significantly,” the minister concluded.

On this occasion, he recalled that thanks to the efforts of the Serbian government, the rate of illegal migration through the region toward Europe dropped by over 80 percent in the past year.

“This was a multidimensional meeting. We advocated for Serbian interests across all topics. We clearly presented our positions on Kosovo and Metohija and Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also focused on ways to improve the regional atmosphere while protecting national interests,” he emphasized.
Speaking about the summit, Djuric said that Serbia believes every opportunity to discuss regional cooperation is necessary and valuable, especially when such initiatives come from the Balkan countries themselves.

“It is good to show both the European Union and the broader international community that we are capable of cooperating with each other, discussing the development of new economic opportunities, and cooperating in areas ranging from foreign and security policy to how we can deepen cooperation among youth in the region. We need a region where younger generations cooperate more effectively,” the minister said, adding that sometimes parties may have differing views, but that is also an opportunity for dialogue.

According to Djuric, the first meeting in this format went well, and further discussions, particularly on full EU membership, would continue over an informal dinner.

“We do not want to create any alternatives to EU membership, but we want to have an equal voice as all other European countries—especially because Balkan countries, with their economic growth, can contribute to the European economy and growth even more than some long-standing members. The human resources of Balkan countries can contribute to the development and growth of our continent at least as much as others,” Djuric concluded.