Djuric: It is more beneficial to build economic links than for Pristina to resort to threats against Serbs

Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric stated today that he used his meetings in Washington to emphasize the need to preserve stability in the region, and that he proposed strengthening economic cooperation, which he described as being in line with the policy of the President of the United States. He underscored that it would be far more beneficial to work on improving economic relations between Serbia, Albania, and Pristina than for Albin Kurti to resort to threats.

“We used our discussions with U.S. officials to highlight the need to preserve regional stability, and stability certainly cannot be achieved through unilateral rearmament and alliances formed on principles rooted in the past,” Djuric said, responding to a question as to whether there is understanding in the United States for Serbia’s concerns regarding the military alliance between Pristina, Tirana, and Zagreb.

He conveyed that during the meetings he proposed strengthening economic cooperation in the region and using the economy as a means of building bridges, which he noted is also a key element of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policy.

“It would be far more useful to work on enhancing economic relations between Serbia, Albania, and Pristina than to resort to the methods employed by the regime of Albin Kurti—threats against our educational and healthcare institutions, as well as additional rearmament. None of these are positive signals coming from Pristina,” Djuric stated.

He further pointed out that the United States is certainly part of the solution when it comes to issues in the Balkans.

“That is why it is very important that we had the opportunity to hold discussions here at the highest level, in Serbia’s interest, presenting concrete facts, with a great deal of goodwill and with the intention of protecting our people and our national interests. We have achieved certain steps in that regard,” Djuric added.