Djuric: Switzerland can contribute to stabilizing the situation regarding Kosovo

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that his visit to Switzerland was rich and substantial, giving new momentum to bilateral relations. He emphasized that Switzerland, even on issues where perspectives differ—such as the status of Kosovo—can contribute to the normalization of relations and the stabilization of the situation.

Djuric pointed out that Switzerland has much to offer in terms of developing the Serbian economy, as it is a leader in numerous technologies and plays a delicate balancing role in global politics.

“Switzerland, like Serbia, is a militarily neutral country, and as such—an independent state that seeks to contribute to peace and security on our continent—shares with us the idea of how we might help bring current conflicts to an end. In that sense, we both aim to serve as places of dialogue, and here our interests overlap, particularly as Switzerland will chair the OSCE next year. I believe we can accomplish a great deal together,” Djuric said.

He added that Switzerland is also a key partner for Expo 2027, being the first country to confirm its participation.

“They are looking forward to participating and have praised the fact that 154 countries attended the preparatory event in Belgrade last week. I heard from many that they were truly impressed by the way Serbia is preparing for Expo,” he noted.

The Serbian Foreign Minister also conveyed that members of the Swiss Parliament expressed praise for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s vision regarding the implementation of dual education. Guided in part by Swiss experience, Serbia has introduced a model where young people can work in companies while pursuing education across a wide range of fields.

He also highlighted that the Serbian diaspora—over 130,000 strong according to Swiss data, and potentially even larger according to Serbian estimates—represents one of the pillars of cooperation. He added that the new Serbian ambassador to Bern will be tasked with improving the organization of the diaspora, strengthening their engagement with host institutions and their ties with Serbia.

Djuric stressed that Serbia must adopt a methodology and approach similar to other great nations—such as the Jewish, Greek, and Armenian peoples—who actively engage their intellectually, spiritually, and materially rich diasporas as powerful instruments to strengthen their national positions.

“Here in Switzerland, we were welcomed warmly and with great respect. I can even say that, even on issues where we have differing views, such as the status of Kosovo and Metohija, we believe Switzerland can play a constructive role in supporting normalization and stabilization. That is why expectations following this visit are indeed high, and we will continue to work intensively,” said Djuric.

The Serbian minister held meetings in Bern today with the Swiss Foreign Minister, the State Secretary for Economic Affairs, the President of the Swiss Confederation’s Parliament, members of the parliamentary friendship group, and business representatives.

Based on these meetings, he said, accelerated cooperation can be expected.

“It is impressive to hear what Switzerland is doing to strengthen its resilience even amid a global economic crisis. We leave here convinced that the model Switzerland followed in the 20th century—preserving peace and stability on one hand, and pursuing a sovereign, people-driven domestic and foreign policy on the other—is something we can also achieve in Serbia. From being a very poor country, Switzerland became one of the richest in the world, and I am convinced that if we continue on the path of development and stability, as distant as it may seem, we too can achieve this—within this generation,” Djuric concluded.