Djuric thanks France for Statement urging swift release of Popovic

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric met today with Brice Roquefeuil, Director for Continental Europe at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, to discuss the strengthening of political relations between Serbia and France, the situation of the Serbian population in Kosovo, Serbia’s path toward EU membership, and current geopolitical developments.

Emphasizing the continuity of excellent bilateral relations and strong cooperation between Serbia and France, both sides agreed that the regular high-level political dialogue significantly contributes to the deepening of these ties. Roquefeuil conveyed greetings from his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, along with the expectation that a bilateral meeting between the two ministers would take place soon.
Minister Djuric expressed gratitude for France’s consistent support and active assistance in advancing Serbia’s strategic foreign policy goal — European integration — and reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to cooperation with the EU in the area of foreign and security policy.

“Minister Djuric briefed his guest on the latest pressures exerted by Albin Kurti’s administration on the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija, emphasizing that the unfounded arrest of Igor Popovic — Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija and a member of the Government of Serbia’s negotiation team — represents a further step toward obstructing dialogue and destabilizing the entire region. In this context, the Foreign Minister expressed his appreciation to the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, which issued a statement today expressing hope for Popovic’s swift release, as he remains in detention in Gnjilane,” the Serbian MFA stated.

Djuric underlined that the urgent release of Popovic remains a top priority and that all appropriate political and legal measures will be undertaken against those responsible, while firmly maintaining Serbia’s commitment to preserving peace and stability.

The discussion also covered regional topics. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership between Serbia and France, as well as with the dynamic growth in trade exchange and French investments.