Djuric: Serbia is a fundamental pillar of regional cooperation promoted by the Berlin Process

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that the "backbone" of regional stability, good cooperation, and economic prospects is precisely regional cooperation, and that the Berlin Process represents a tool that, through concrete mechanisms, agreements, and funding, promotes that form of cooperation.

"This is why Serbia has been participating in the Berlin Process from the beginning. Serbia has much to be proud of, as the team led by President Aleksandar Vucic has achieved something incredible in 10 years—doubling the country's GDP in less than a decade, securing an investment rating despite not being an EU member. Serbia doesn't have economic problems; rather, it brings a healthy economy to the European table," Djuric said to Newsmax Balkan.

He emphasized that what makes the Berlin Process particularly important is the resolution of unresolved inherited issues from the 1990s.

"We prioritize regional relations, and it is important that Prime Minister Milos Vucevic represented Serbia in Berlin today in a positive spirit, that Serbia actively participated in all discussions, and that it serves as a good example of regional cooperation," Djuric said.

He added that he has no criticism of the Berlin Process itself but expressed concern about the pace and dynamics of European integration, which at times are so slow that many in Serbia question the credibility of the process.

"We are happy to see increased visits from European officials to Serbia and the region in recent months, a new momentum... It seems the EU is creating new momentum for European integration, and Serbia is interested. Serbia is not going to the EU with an outstretched hand to beg for anything, but to contribute politically and institutionally as an old nation," the minister said.

When asked whether there was an opportunity to discuss the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, he expressed confidence that today's discussions in Berlin, given his experience from last week's ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process, covered a wide range of topics—from the war in Ukraine to global developments and regional issues.

"I am sure that certain actors from the region will try to use the meetings in Berlin for unfounded criticism of Serbia, attempting to undermine our side. We approach these meetings constructively, with confidence and an outstretched hand," said the Serbian foreign minister.

He stressed that without Serbia's active contribution, there can be no regional stability, and that the country is making great efforts despite the pressures from various frustrated political circles.

"Serbia is, by its nature, a fundamental pillar of regional cooperation and stability. We have no ambition to impose a leadership role, but we want to use our geographical, economic, and cultural-historical position for the most open, cohesive, and European-oriented cooperation in the region," Djuric stated.

He pointed out that issues from the past should be resolved, not limit cooperation.

"We do not abandon our national interests and continue to fight for the rights of Serbs in various places in the region, where attempts are made to question them. However, we approach regional cooperation with an open heart because it is in our interest. It is in our interest for the environment to be stable and peaceful," Djuric emphasized.

Speaking about cooperation with the U.S., he highlighted that expanding collaboration with America is of great importance for realizing many of Serbia's national interests. In this regard, he referred to the recently signed Energy Cooperation Agreement, which will increase energy supply security and change Serbia's image in the U.S.

"It is no secret that we have differences regarding the status of Kosovo, but it is in Serbia's interest to have a friend in the U.S., not to allow or leave the field solely to those who want to exploit the situation to our detriment, and not let them be the ones directing U.S. policy toward the Western Balkans, a country that is the leader of Western civilization," Minister Djuric concluded.