Djuric: Serbia will pursue a national, responsible foreign policy, extending a hand while preserving dignity

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric stated that the new government of Serbia is a government of the future, adding that its foreign policy, which he will lead, will be one of freedom, nationalism, and responsibility.

"The orientation of the government's foreign policy, or mine, is one of freedom. Serbia will pursue a national, responsible foreign policy, extending a hand while preserving dignity. We are in the business of making friends, but we will decisively respond to those who encroach on our interests," Djuric said in "Hit Tvit," a program on Pink TV.

He added that Serbia demonstrated this in recent weeks, particularly in the last ten days when President Aleksandar Vucic defended Serbian national interests in the fight against the Srebrenica resolution.

He emphasized that the new government is primarily a government of the future.

"The cabinet of Milos Vucevic projects policies for at least four decades, with projects related to Expo, artificial intelligence, and other fields. With a highly capable staff and guided by President Vucic's vision, it enjoys great legitimacy and has the opportunity to transform Serbia for the better," he said.

Commenting on criticism that the Serbian government is "overly large," Djuric noted that it's interesting that this comes from those whose governments had many more ministers, agencies, and other entities.

He urged them to follow the basic principle of giving any government at least 100 days before making comments or criticizing based on its work.

"These are basic principles of democracy, but they continue with a quarrelsome tone, without arguments, and with no intention of contributing positively. Citizens have recognized this," he said.

He also mentioned that the government has goals and a vision to achieve them.

In this regard, he stated that the average salary in Serbia will be €1,400 by 2027 and that Serbia will implement 320 new projects by 2027.

"Serbia will be a better place to live. I was away from active politics for three and a half years, but over the past few weeks, based on what I've seen, I cannot believe how much has changed. We shouldn't just criticize; it's necessary to be objective and acknowledge the results," the Serbian foreign minister concluded.

The Serbian government will not neglect traditional friendships

Djuric noted that the new government is one of continuity in a political sense, but also one that brings additional energy.

He emphasized that the new government will not neglect traditional friendships.

"We will nurture relationships with China, Russia, and former Non-Aligned Movement nations that helped us secure Expo. We would have never succeeded in obtaining Expo without the support of about ten of these countries. We are committed to continuing the development of relations with the United States, and we will strive to find a balance," Djuric said.

Highlighting his long political experience and awareness of what’s more popular to say regarding an East-West alignment, he noted that he could always say what resonates with public opinion.

"But I have the President's support, and I will always choose to speak and convey what serves Serbia's interests, not my own or even those of the party I represent, but Serbia's," he emphasized.

He added that citizens can be confident that a government following President Vucic's vision will not succumb to any pressure.

"When I say 'policy of freedom,' it's not just a phrase. This government is of medium size, some might call it cumbersome, but it's also inclusive. In extremely challenging times, it has brought together most of the political forces necessary to preserve independence, freedom, and territorial integrity while also advocating for Serbia's progress. Those who’ve taken a clear East or West stance envy us. We will continue to work so that they keep envying us," he conveyed.

The significance of Xi Jinping's visit to Serbia

Commenting on the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Serbia, Djuric said that it's not a mere courtesy when it's said that his visit is a great honor for Serbia, placing Serbia on the map. He added that the people of Serbia won't be disappointed when they see how China will vote in the United Nations on issues important to Serbia.

"This visit is a great honor for us, and we are delighted about it. The free trade agreement with China is not only a legacy for this generation but for our grandchildren's generation. It's of immense importance that Xi Jinping is coming to Serbia," Djuric emphasized.

He noted that Xi's decision to visit only three European countries—France, Hungary, and Serbia—demonstrates that Serbia has an independent policy.

"Xi Jinping would never visit a country that doesn't make its own decisions. We've taken a principled stance on respecting the territorial integrity of all nations," he stated.

Asked about criticisms that by respecting China's territorial integrity, President Vucic gave China free rein to do whatever it wanted with Taiwan, Djuric replied that Serbia prioritizes its own interests.

"We aim to strengthen cooperation with China in economics and other fields. China has become our second-largest economic partner. The U.S. has China as its number one trading partner, like many other countries from which critics come," he said.

He pointed out that the New York Times reported that Xi Jinping is trying to build closer relations in Europe and has chosen leaders with enough character and political strength to discuss geopolitical issues with.

"This visit places us on the map, and every investor will note that you can fly directly from Belgrade to New York, Chicago, and, God willing, by the end of the year, Miami, as well as Beijing, Shanghai, and Moscow. We will continue expanding our presence and cooperation with China regardless of whether some Green Party MP criticizes us for it. You won’t be disappointed in how China will vote in the UN on issues crucial to us," Djuric stated.

He also noted that the New York Times wrote that since the Chinese embassy in Belgrade was bombed in 1999 during the NATO campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, resulting in Chinese casualties, Xi Jinping plans to send a message about international law violations from here.

Tension over Vucic-Macron relationship

Commenting on media reports that the Montenegrin government has decided to amend the draft resolution on Srebrenica, Djuric said that this is unofficial information for now, but that if it happens, it seems like an attempt at "conscience-cleansing" to serve domestic politics so as not to appear against brotherly Serbia and to mitigate the decision to vote for the resolution.

He mentioned that one of the amendments is allegedly about respecting the Dayton Agreement, noting that the Dayton Agreement has been trampled upon since there was no consent from all three ethnic groups, one entity opposes it, and not all victims were accounted for, while honoring the tragedy in Srebrenica. UN rules were violated as there were no consultations about the resolution, neither in our region nor elsewhere.

The second amendment, according to him, is allegedly about individualizing responsibility and guilt.

"Serbia will assess relationships regarding the resolution to see who behaves as a friend, who we can consider a friend, and who is a partner. We will strive for new friends, but we will distinguish between them," he said.

When asked if it's realistic for French President Emmanuel Macron to veto Kosovo's membership in the Council of Europe, as some media have reported, Djuric stated that there's tension surrounding the personal relationship between Presidents Vucic and Macron.

"Some circles are aware that Vucic spent nearly four hours talking with Macron and that Serbia and France are developing their friendship. Serbia needs a strong ally in the EU. Concerning the Council of Europe and the Srebrenica resolution, superhuman effort has been made. Specifically, the president had 110 different interactions with state leaders in the UN, directly contacting them, calling them, presenting his points, and lobbying skillfully. He’s not the only one working on this, though; other government members and the Speaker of the Parliament are involved as well," he explained.

According to him, the results are apparent since the resolution initially had 192 clear votes in favor, but now that's no longer the case, forcing them to postpone the session once.

"There will also be quite a few Islamic countries supporting Serbia because they know someone is trying to incite discord between Serbs and Bosniaks and don't want to contribute to tensions, even as we all honor the victims of Srebrenica, Serbian victims, Bosniak victims, and Croatian victims," the head of Serbian diplomacy said.

He emphasized that they are putting forth maximum effort and will continue to do so.

"President Vucic informed me that despite all his obligations, he may travel to New York for the UN General Assembly session to defend Serbian interests with his head held high, both before and after the vote, regardless of the outcome," Djuric stated.