Djuric: The path to stability, peace, and progress in the Balkans runs through Belgrade

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated today in Antalya that, following participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, it is entirely clear that the path to stability, peace, and progress in the Balkan region runs through Belgrade as well. He added that he had productive bilateral meetings, but was somewhat disappointed with the remarks made by Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Foreign Minister Elmedin Konakovic.

Djuric noted that the Serbian delegation had a successful participation in the forum, emphasizing that after today’s discussions, round tables, and bilateral meetings, it is evident that the path to regional stability, peace, and progress leads through Belgrade.

“Of course, also through other centers, but Belgrade and Serbia represent a central point for bringing the region together in terms of economy, infrastructure, and the stabilization of open political issues,” Djuric said.

He highlighted that a productive meeting of the Balkan Peace Platform was held—an initiative organized jointly with Türkiye and other countries, capitals, and territories in the region.

“I can say that in the coming months we expect a leaders’ summit of the Balkan Peace Platform, which will have a concrete agenda on how to enhance cooperation on issues important to citizens, such as joint efforts to mitigate the consequences of natural disasters—how to align our capacities, facilitate border crossings, encourage cooperation among younger generations, introduce new ideas and initiatives, and create a climate that will give younger generations confidence that we have a different future,” Djuric stated.

He added that in Antalya he also held constructive bilateral talks with the new Foreign Minister of Albania and the Foreign Minister of Zambia, but noted he was somewhat disappointed with the appearance of Minister Konakovic, who, he said, chose to criticize—on camera, without arguments or grounds, but with considerable emotion—the concerns expressed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic regarding non-transparent security arrangements being developed in the region.

“Mr. Konakovic, in the spirit of what appears to be a genuine pre-election campaign he is clearly preparing for, used the gathering—with considerable passion and not particularly positive messaging—to criticize official Belgrade, perhaps without sufficiently taking into account the responsibility we all share to nurture relations between our peoples,” said Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric.

He emphasized that the Serbian delegation responded with arguments and demonstrated through actions that Serbia is part of the solution.

“Through our actions, we showed that this is not how such matters should be handled in front of cameras; rather, if there are issues, one picks up the phone and talks. We also demonstrated that today, as in the future, we stand on the side of peace and cooperation, that we care equally about all peoples and, of course, respect the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina. We also care about and value the Republic of Srpska, but we never believe it is our role as diplomats to conduct battles in front of cameras—to appear strong, brave, and heroic on screen—but to resolve problems. Naturally, a single meeting does not determine success or failure in cooperation. Building sound regional cooperation is like a marathon, and we will continue to persevere,” Djuric said.

He added that he had an excellent meeting with Albania’s new Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, noting that they agreed to strengthen cooperation and diplomatic-consular presence.

“I believe that cooperation between Serbia and Albania is highly important for both countries, as well as for the future and stability of the region. We agreed—while taking into account the Albanian community in Serbia and the Serbian community in Albania, as well as the growing economic cooperation—to further strengthen diplomatic and consular presence in both countries and enhance cooperation in the European context, to exchange visits and create a picture grounded in reality that will demonstrate that relations in our region must and can be different,” Djuric said.

He also highlighted that he had an outstanding meeting with Zambia’s Foreign Minister, adding that Serbia’s focus extends beyond Europe and its immediate neighborhood, which he described as a comparative advantage.

“Ever since the time of President Josip Broz Tito and President Kenneth Kaunda, our two countries have maintained excellent relations. Zambia supports Serbia’s territorial integrity, and it is a country with significant mining and other potential. As was the case during the time of the former Yugoslavia, I believe our companies across various sectors can achieve strong returns through this cooperation.

I also wished to convey to the representatives of Zambia that in Serbia we take pride in marking Africa Day on May 25, something we value highly, given that our country was the first in Europe to stand up in the fight against colonialism. Today, a public roundtable was also held, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council, with participation from representatives of political organizations,” Djuric concluded.