Djuric: Vucic’s meetings in Moscow are significant for Serbia's position on the issue of Kosovo and Metohija

Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated that it is fantastic for Serbia that President Aleksandar Vucic held meetings in Moscow with two major powers, both members of the UN Security Council, and that this is important regarding the issue of Kosovo and Metohija.

Speaking on RTS, Djuric said that the key word characterizing Serbian foreign policy is consistency.

“It is fantastic for Serbia that our president met with two great powers, members of the Security Council, and this is significant for our position on Kosovo and Metohija. This places Serbia in a unique position as an investment destination and helps attract investments not only from China but also from Western Europe and the US, as Serbia is known as an important export point to China. These meetings were also of great importance for our energy sector, as 85% of our natural gas comes from Russia, so the extension of that gas arrangement is crucial for our country,” Djuric said.

He added that a clear message was heard in Moscow that Serbia remains on the European path.

“I represented Serbia in Warsaw at the EU Foreign Ministers’ Summit. It was very important, a discussion on EU enlargement. I can say that during this European Commission’s term, there is great commitment to Serbia progressing toward full membership. We want an equal place at that table. Serbia belongs in the EU,” the foreign minister said.

Asked about the support from EU foreign ministers after Vucic’s trip to Moscow, Djuric noted the ideological diversity among European ministers.

“There are ministers from the political left, including some from the Baltics, as well as friends of ours like Hungary and Slovakia. It’s not easy to satisfy everyone. I’m satisfied with the results of our discussions. Today in Europe, there is consensus that Serbia has a European future and belongs in the EU. It wasn’t an easy meeting, especially because it included representatives from Pristina and others from the region who used the opportunity for personal and political attacks against our leadership and Serbia’s stance on Kosovo and Metohija and other issues. There were also criticisms of Vucic’s visit to Moscow. I won’t name names, but there were remarks from Luxembourg, Belgium, and Croatia. But Serbia has done nothing to be blamed for. Our policy is based on the UN Charter. We respect the territorial integrity of all countries, which cannot be said for all EU members. We have nothing to be ashamed of, we are openly against historical revisionism and proud of our country’s major contribution to the fight against fascism,” he emphasized.

Asked whether he expects any sanctions from European countries, Djuric responded that several EU leaders are expected to visit Belgrade soon, which he said is a clear answer.

“We expect the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and in the coming weeks, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. I expect new momentum and acceleration in our relations with Brussels, and it won’t come at the expense of our balanced foreign policy. During his time in Moscow, our president also met with the leader of Kazakhstan. Our policy is to foster relations with many countries around the world,” Djuric said.

Given Serbia’s principled stance and Vucic’s trip to Moscow, Djuric said it will not lead to any sanctions or breaks in relations with the EU, “despite what some may be hoping for.”

“Serbia conducts a responsible foreign policy. We can expect continued development of our relations. We are guided by our national interests, ensuring energy stability, contributing to a culture of remembrance, and respecting others based on the principles of international law,” he emphasized.

He added that Serbia wants to accelerate the development of relations with the United States in the coming period.

“We have achieved strategic dialogue with the US, and we are looking forward to the arrival of the new American ambassador to Serbia, Mr. Mark Brnovich, who is partly of Serbian origin. He will represent American interests here, but I am confident that our people in the US serve as a bridge and strengthen our position there. On the other side, Mr. Sutanovac will have our support in developing economic relations with the US. I am confident that things are moving in a good direction and that we will continue to build a foundation that will prevent events like those in the 1990s. Our lobbying efforts should help Serbia rely on that major pole of global power,” Djuric noted.

When asked why May 9 has become a symbol of division and polarization in the world, Serbia’s foreign minister said that in Serbia, that date is not seen as divisive.

“We equally value the contributions of the former USSR and other countries that helped in the fight against fascism. We remember who suffered the greatest losses, and we pay great attention to that, as shown again now. This is not in contradiction with our other priorities. We are working to maintain stability in the region, continue developing the economy and diplomacy, all based on our national values. We know our path. The harshest critics of our government have little to reproach in terms of foreign policy, nor have I heard credible suggestions for alternatives, only spiteful remarks about the president’s meetings with Chinese leaders. It is difficult to maintain balance in diplomacy, but we will continue to do so. Soon, we will be launching a public call: ‘Become a Serbian Diplomat,’ inviting young people to join our diplomatic service. Expect continued development and modernization of our diplomatic network,” Djuric concluded.