Djuric: It is good for the year to begin with regional dialogue; Cooperation has become a matter of national security

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Djuric, who participated today in the meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform in Istanbul, stated that it is positive for 2026 to begin with regional dialogue, stressing the importance of strengthening trust and enhancing cooperation in order to prevent the region, amid the current geopolitical turbulence, from being drawn into a new cycle of strained relations. Djuric also noted that, in his conversation with the host, the Head of Turkish diplomacy Hakan Fidan, one of the key topics was the issue of Kosovo, and that he used the opportunity to underscore the need to protect the fundamental human rights of the Serbian people.

Djuric said that Serbia welcomes the Balkan Peace Platform, inter alia, because the issue of regional cooperation has become urgent—indeed, a matter of national security—in the context of global turbulence and changes in the character of the international order.

“Our immediate neighbors are countries and territories on which the pace and dynamics of our economic growth depend, as well as the free movement of people of our nationalities—Serbs and all others living in Serbia and the region. We must be prudent and wise and foster an atmosphere of trust so as to avoid being drawn, in this global geopolitical storm, into a new cycle of poor relations. This is why this format has added value: it is not organized in an EU member state, but by an external, non-Balkan actor, which gives it the value of an authentic Balkan project. Türkiye is larger than all participants, both in terms of population and economic indicators, which gives this format a specific character,” Djuric said.

He conveyed that he discussed with his Turkish counterpart ways in which the two countries can contribute to stabilizing and preserving stability in the region.

“We discussed various sensitive topics behind closed doors, with the aim of strengthening trust and improving cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere. It is good that 2026 begins with regional dialogue,” Djuric noted.

He added that discussions also addressed what the Peace Committee of U.S. President Donald Trump could mean for the region, expectations regarding the conflict in Ukraine and potential regional implications should hostilities cease in the coming months, as well as the situation in the Middle East.

“Countries and territories with differing views were represented here, but dialogue is always beneficial. There are also specific plans under consideration related to improving transport connectivity, cooperation in education and science, and cooperation in the field of European integration. These are non-controversial areas that can be useful for participants in creating a different atmosphere of greater trust,” the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

Djuric pointed out that his bilateral talks with Hakan Fidan also covered Kosovo, noting that, in line with the state policy guidelines aimed at preserving peace and stability, he uses every opportunity to draw attention to the need to protect the fundamental human rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo.

“There are those who have seriously called this into question in the recent period, and meetings such as this provide a good opportunity to raise the issue. However, today’s focus was on regional cooperation and creating a broader positive climate in the region, which can also have a positive impact on sensitive issues, such as Kosovo and Metohija,” Djuric emphasized.

He added that Serbia consistently approaches forums such as today’s meeting in Istanbul from clear positions grounded in international law and national interests.

“With a view to strengthening regional cooperation as one of the key prerequisites for preserving peace and stability, as well as for continued economic growth and development, I spoke candidly about my perspective on Serbia’s European integration,” Djuric said, adding that he would later today discuss these issues with Members of the European Parliament visiting Serbia.