Djuric in Panama: Affirming Serbia’s position on Kosovo and Metohija an important objective

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that Serbia’s objective in Panama City is to strengthen bilateral relations with countries in that part of the world, promote Serbia’s position on Kosovo and Metohija, namely the protection of Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as uphold the principles of multilateralism and international law.

Djuric emphasized that another important goal is the promotion of EXPO and attracting additional countries to participate.

“This is an opportunity to refresh the image of our country,” Djuric said ahead of his participation in the 56th General Assembly of the Organization of American States and the 31st Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Association of Caribbean States in Panama.

“Serbia accounts for 57 percent of the region’s economy,” he noted, adding that Belgrade seeks to further strengthen relations with Latin American countries.

He pointed out that Serbia enjoys stronger relations with African and Asian countries than most other states in the region and continues to deepen its ties with countries in both North and South America.

“The citizens of Serbia should know that we have been present here for decades and that we are continuing a generational tradition of cooperation with these countries while further deepening it today,” he said, adding that Serbia supports the work of the Association of Caribbean States and the Organization of American States.

According to him, Serbia is recognized as a principled actor in international relations.

Djuric stressed that there is a reason why representatives of major countries are attending the meeting in Panama and added that the Serbian delegation would use every opportunity to hold as many meetings as possible, promote EXPO, and advocate for the protection of Serbia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“Serbia lobbies 365 days a year, across all meridians, for the protection of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and there is no place on Earth too distant for us to travel to and present our arguments. That is why we are here — because of EXPO, because of Kosovo and Metohija, and because of the excellent relations we seek to maintain with this part of the world,” he said.

He also emphasized that it is important for Serbia to find its place and to be perceived in that part of the world as one of the gateways to Europe.