Djuric: Kosovo and Metohija is Serbia’s key national matter, we are satisfied with the US change in approach toward Kurti’s regime

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that Kosovo is a key national matter for Serbia, representing the essence of its identity and not merely a part of its territory. He also expressed satisfaction that the United States has changed its approach toward Albin Kurti’s administration.

Speaking on the program “Dan na Dan” on TS Media, Djuric announced continued support for Serbs in Kosovo.

“Kosovo and Metohija is our key national matter, which for us is not merely 13 percent of our state territory. For us, Kosovo and Metohija is not just a piece of land. Kosovo and Metohija answers the most important question for every human community, which is – who we are, because the seat of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Patriarchate of Pec, is located there. In the Middle Ages, our kings, emperors, and empresses lived and were buried in Kosovo and Metohija. Today, there are 10 municipalities with a Serbian majority and many other places where Serbs live. We have sought understanding for the position of the Serbs, which has been catastrophic over the past three years, and as a result of these discussions, I can say I am pleased that the US has changed its approach toward Kurti’s regime,” Djuric said.

Commenting on the European Commission’s annual report on Serbia’s progress toward EU membership, Djuric emphasized that Serbia has made significant progress in reforms that are criteria for EU accession.

“Anyone who wants to be even slightly objective can and must see that the main message of yesterday’s report is that Serbia is ready to open Cluster 3. That is the conclusion of the progress report compiled by the European Commission. This report clearly states that Serbia has advanced in many areas. But not only that – the conclusion is that Cluster 3 should be opened and that Serbia should move forward formally as well. Serbia has made significant progress in reforms, including those related to the REM and the Law on the Unified Voter Register. Before that, comprehensive judicial reforms were carried out. So, if meritocracy truly applies to evaluating Serbia’s progress toward Brussels – yes, absolutely, it should advance,” Djuric said.

He pointed out that Serbia’s membership in the EU is also in Europe’s interest, as Serbia is centrally located in Southeastern Europe, has more than 6.5 million inhabitants, and possesses significant potential in many sectors.

“Europe cannot be complete without Serbia and the region,” Djuric stated.

The minister noted that he recently attended the Berlin Process summit in Northern Ireland, where the progress of the entire region on the European path was discussed.

“It is unimaginable that a region in which Serbia accounts for 53 percent of the total GDP could advance toward the EU without Serbia. Serbia is also the country with the fastest economic growth, as shown by all indicators – not ours, but those of Eurostat, the IMF, and the World Bank. You may or may not support our course. There are many who dislike our independent foreign policy and multi-vector approach, which maintains balanced relations with all major global actors, but no one can deny that Serbia, by establishing a free trade zone with the EU, the Eurasian Economic Union, China, the UAE, Egypt, and Turkey, has created an exceptional investment hub, securing the leading position in the region,” Djuric said.

He appealed to part of Serbia’s political public to stop distorting and misrepresenting the relationship between Belgrade and Brussels.

“After all, just look at the frequency of visits from top EU officials to Serbia. Mrs. von der Leyen is here. Yesterday, President Aleksandar Djuric met with European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels and participated in numerous activities with senior EU officials. Yet, even that is being spun as some kind of international isolation. It is paradoxical. For a country of our size, economic strength, and population, we have a disproportionately large number of foreign visitors and contacts with top European officials,” Djuric said.

The foreign minister stated that new technologies are transforming the economy and society, and that artificial intelligence will completely change the labor market and how many industries operate.

“This is an opportunity, through proper planning and development focus, to make up for the gap with Western Europe. We have already achieved that 15 percent of our GDP comes from the IT and software industry. Our exports in IT and software are worth billions of euros annually. The advantage of this new technology is that it does not depend on traditional trade routes or pathways,” Djuric explained.

Speaking about Serbia’s strategic partnership with the United States, Djuric said he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in August and again later with President Vucic.

“I showed Rubio charts proving that President Trump is by far the most popular US leader in all of Europe when it comes to Serbia. We simply want to establish a different, better type of relationship with the new administration, because we know how important it is and we recognize shared values related to Christianity, family, and tradition. When Rubio saw these charts, he was thrilled. He took the papers from me to show them to Trump. Later, I was informed by another senior US official that the President himself was delighted by the level of support he enjoys in Serbia,” Djuric said.

He added that although that story is anecdotal, it vividly illustrates the potential that currently exists to build a different kind of relationship.

“We are working intensively to develop a new level of trust, cooperation, and strategic dialogue with the new administration. I believe that, together with our people in the US, we can build a strong Serbian presence there,” the foreign minister said.

Djuric pointed out that some in Serbian politics oppose certain American investments or projects.

“As we have seen, one of the projects discussed is the reconstruction or construction of new facilities on the site of the demolished General Staff building. It includes not only new structures and restoration of part of the existing complex but also the construction of a museum dedicated to the victims of the NATO aggression, funded by American investors. Yet, they are against all of this, even though those buildings were destroyed in 1999,” Djuric said.

He added that many from Trump’s circle understand and, behind closed doors, openly acknowledge the mistakes made toward Serbia and the Serbian people at that time.

“Instead of embracing this opportunity, we have people trying to antagonize the new administration, just to prevent those in power from building good relations with the US. That is Serbia’s national interest,” Djuric stated.

When asked about Serbia’s image in the world, Djuric said that it has improved in recent years thanks to economic performance, athletes, and the Serbian diaspora.
“One of the foundations for the overall development of our society is definitely stability. Together with our good relations with all sides, that has become our hallmark,” Djuric emphasized.

He reminded that Serbia has 103 diplomatic and consular missions worldwide and that the goal is for embassies and consulates to operate fully in promoting and strengthening Serbia’s international position.

“In the coming period, we will continue to strengthen our personnel capacities and open new embassies in certain locations. Serbia is truly a country of great opportunities and enormous potential, and with good organization and structure, it can achieve exceptional results. Over the past ten years, we have more than doubled our GDP, and in the coming period, we will continue to see increases in salaries and pensions. If we keep focusing on economic growth instead of wasting energy and time on power struggles over limited resources, often by those who have already proven they cannot manage them well, I am optimistic that we can achieve a great deal,” the minister concluded.