Djuric in Madrid: Serbia and Spain support each other on the issue of territorial integrity and sovereignty

Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, who is on a visit to Spain, stated today that both countries place great importance on respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, and that they will continue, as they have so far, to support one another regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as within international organizations.

Noting that Serbia and Spain are marking 110 years of diplomatic relations, Djuric emphasized that this is a significant anniversary, showing how long bilateral relations have been important to both sides.

“The recent visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to Seville, together with my visit now, gives new momentum to Serbian-Spanish cooperation, meaning that Serbia is strengthening its position on the Iberian Peninsula and, by deepening ties with Spain, is creating another pillar of its position in Europe,” Djuric said in a statement to journalists after his meeting with his Spanish counterpart, as well as his visits to the Senate and the Royal Institute for Foreign Policy.

He pointed out that Spain, a country with 50 million inhabitants, is one of the key EU members that unreservedly supports Serbia when it comes to Kosovo, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

He added that Spain also supports Serbia on its EU membership path, from the opening of negotiation clusters to understanding Serbia’s specific circumstances.

Djuric told reporters that he and his Spanish colleague agreed that economic cooperation between the two countries must be raised to a higher level, and that Serbia’s position as one of Europe’s growing economies must be used to foster stronger economic ties. He stressed that Spain, as a major European economy, could support Serbia’s growth and development, thereby opening the door for more Spanish investments.

“We also discussed a wide range of international issues. Both our countries place great importance on the UN Charter and international law, and in this regard, we have absolute mutual understanding. We will continue to support one another on the matter of territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as in international organizations,” Djuric said.

He added that he had good meetings in the Spanish Senate with representatives of all parliamentary groups participating in the friendship group with Serbia.

“These are influential senators with whom I had sincere discussions about Kosovo and Metohija and other challenges. I invited them to visit Serbia, to see for themselves what Serbia is today, the potential it represents for this part of Europe, and how it contributes to the stability and development of our continent,” Djuric said.

At the Royal Institute for Foreign Policy, the Serbian Foreign Minister also met with representatives of the academic community and companies, including Airbus, which has shown interest in expanding its presence in the region.

“This is a good boost to strengthening our position in Spain. With this visit, we round off a week of diplomatic activities during which, after Japan and Serbia’s presentation at Bled, I came here. Serbia strives to present itself everywhere as what it truly is – an independent, sovereign country that seeks to build friendships with all. That is the same message we heard today in Beijing from President Vucic, and today in Madrid. One message for all – Serbia pursues a nationally responsible policy of an outstretched hand,” Minister Djuric concluded.

Djuric and his Spanish counterpart, José Manuel Albares Bueno, signed a Memorandum on strengthening diplomatic relations.

“Spain has a nearly millennial tradition in diplomacy, protocol, and other elements important to our profession. The fact that our Diplomatic Academy will have its doors widely open for cooperation will mean a great deal for the training of our young diplomats. We also want to host Spanish diplomats at Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is certainly a positive step for the diplomatic service,” Djuric said.