Djuric: Serbia always on the side of peace, loyal to principles that protect its borders in Kosovo and Metohija

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated today in Rome, where he is participating in the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine, that Serbia is always on the side of peace and the UN Charter, and consistently loyal to principles that safeguard its borders, both in Kosovo and elsewhere.

In a statement to the press, Djuric emphasized that Serbia stands for peace and will be present wherever there are discussions about helping civilians who are suffering. He added that Serbia remembers how Ukraine helped it after the NATO bombing and aggression in 1999 by assisting in the reconstruction of its energy infrastructure.

"I want to say that we stand on the side of international public law, on the side of the UN Charter, and that is our clear message—always and everywhere. I believe my participation and presence here is beneficial for Serbia's image, particularly in the Western or European part of the international community. I made sure that Serbia’s presence was noticed," said Djuric.

He mentioned briefly greeting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the German Chancellor, who also serves as a special envoy for resolving the Russia–Ukraine conflict.

The Serbian Foreign Minister added that, concurrently with the event in Rome, a summit is taking place between U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"Any effort that may reduce tensions in global relations or contribute to resolving this tragic conflict in which innocent lives are lost is something we will always support. Serbia stands for peace, for the UN Charter, and remains committed to principles that protect its borders—both in Kosovo and Metohija and elsewhere. That’s why we can look everyone in the eye and help anyone, within our modest means," Djuric emphasized.

He reminded that a significant number of people from Ukraine—and an even greater number from the Russian Federation—have come to Serbia as a result of war, political, and other developments.

"We have opened our homes and hearts, as we should, to our friends and all people, because that is in line with our principles, beliefs, and tradition," Djuric stated.

He expressed confidence that the Serbian economy could contribute to the recovery from the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine, and that this contribution will become more visible once hostilities cease.

"The principled policy of President Vucic and Serbia is well known here. In addition to standing for peace, we also stand for helping those in need. Our participation here is, in a way, a continuation of what was discussed at the summit in Odesa, where Serbia was represented by President Vucic," Djuric said, responding to a journalist's question on how Serbia could assist Ukraine, noting Vucic had recently announced at the Odesa summit that Serbia may help with the reconstruction of two regions.

Djuric also said that during a meeting with Keith Kellogg, the special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, he expressed Serbia’s readiness to host "public, private, informal—any kind" of talks that could help resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

"I conveyed to Mr. Kellogg the feelings, sentiments, and sympathies of the Serbian people for Trump's efforts to stabilize the situation, end hostilities, and bridge the gaps between major powers," Djuric told reporters in Rome.

He added that Kellogg promised to personally convey this to the U.S. President.

Djuric noted that several hundred Italian companies were present at the conference in Rome, along with hundreds of companies from other European countries.

"A large portion of the funds allocated by the EU for the future reconstruction of Ukraine—which they hope will accelerate once hostilities cease—are distributed through participation in such gatherings," he added.

Djuric also reported on the conference via the social network X, stating that this fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference, held in Rome, provides an important platform to highlight the need to respect international legal principles and the vital role of diplomacy in achieving peace and resolving conflicts.