Djuric: Serbia remains committed to multilateralism

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that Serbia remains firmly committed to the principles of multilateralism and believes that responses to contemporary global challenges can only be built through dialogue, cooperation, and the strengthening of regional mechanisms.

Speaking at the Ministerial Council meeting of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), held in Panama, during the panel entitled “Strategic Session: Multilateralism as a Collective Response to Global Challenges and the Strategic Role of Regional Mechanisms,” Djuric emphasized that, owing to its geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Serbia serves as an important hub connecting different regions, creating numerous opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism, business cooperation, and networking.

“He recalled that Expo 2027 is expected to attract more than four million visitors and involve the participation of over 130 countries and international organizations, stressing that its reach, through traditional and social media, will extend far beyond the duration of the event itself. As he explained, Expo 2027 represents one of the most ambitious international projects ever undertaken by Serbia and the first specialized world exhibition of its kind in Southeast Europe. He pointed out that a new exhibition complex, the National Stadium, and the Expo Village are currently being built in Belgrade, creating world-class infrastructure and a lasting legacy for future generations,” the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Djuric underscored that the theme of the exhibition is play and its transformative power, but that Expo 2027 is much more than that, as it will bring together countries, institutions, companies, innovators, and young people from around the world through programs in culture, education, sports, science, technology, and business.

“He added that the exhibition will provide a unique platform for the exchange of ideas, the development of new partnerships, and the joint search for solutions to global challenges, offering a vision based on dialogue, cooperation, and human connectivity. He noted that the majority of Caribbean countries have already confirmed their participation in Expo 2027, demonstrating the increasingly close ties between the two regions. Caribbean countries have been allocated a prominent space near the entrance to the exhibition, with the intention of creating a vibrant Caribbean hub in the heart of Europe. He also emphasized that during the 93 days of the exhibition, millions of visitors will have the opportunity to discover the richness of Caribbean cultures, traditions, creativity, and tourism potential, while companies and institutions will be able to establish new partnerships and expand cooperation,” the statement added.

Expressing his hope that all member states of the Association would be represented in Belgrade, Djuric stressed that Serbia and the Expo 2027 team remain fully committed to cooperation with partners from the Caribbean.

Speaking about the importance of multilateralism, Djuric emphasized that Serbia remains firmly dedicated to defending its principles, which constitute one of the fundamental pillars of the country’s foreign policy.

“He pointed out that the foundations of multilateralism are built and preserved at the regional level through dialogue, cooperation, confidence-building, and enhanced connectivity, and that fostering the values of solidarity and mutual respect within one’s own region contributes to the resilience of the entire international system. He also assessed that, although geographically distant, Serbia and the Caribbean region share many common values, including respect for international law, territorial integrity, solidarity among nations, and inclusive development,” the statement said.

Djuric recalled that Serbia has for years sought to deepen cooperation with its Caribbean partners, both bilaterally and through regional frameworks and initiatives, including the Organization of American States, CARICOM, and the Central American Integration System. He added that Serbia’s support for the first phase of the Association of Caribbean States’ Strategic Plan in 2024 reflects its belief that strong regional institutions contribute to a more effective multilateral system.

He also highlighted the importance of people-to-people connectivity, noting that through the “World in Serbia” scholarship program, Serbia provides young people from the region with opportunities to study, acquire knowledge, and build lasting ties with the country.

“Minister Djuric thanked all countries that support Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and invited the member states of the Association of Caribbean States to come to Belgrade for Expo 2027 and continue developing all forms of cooperation together with Serbia. He also thanked the hosts for their hospitality and for the opportunity for Serbia to be a guest in Panama,” the ministry concluded.