Djuric: We are launching a strategic dialogue with Israel; Sa’ar: Serbia is a close and important friend

Serbia’s Foreign Minister, Marko Djuric, stated today that he and his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, agreed to launch a strategic dialogue between the two countries. Djuric also emphasized that he informed Sa’ar about the situation in Kosovo and the difficult conditions faced by Serbs in the region. Israel’s Foreign Minister underlined that Serbia is a close and very important friend of his country, as well as a strategic pillar in the Western Balkans and in Europe.

During a joint press conference with Sa’ar, Djuric thanked his colleague for his personal contribution to advancing relations between Serbia and Israel, including today’s visit, which, as he noted, is taking place at an important historic moment.

“The relations between Serbia and the State of Israel are founded not only on decades of good cooperation between our two countries, but also on centuries of close, brotherly ties between the Serbian and Jewish peoples, built on shared suffering, shared values, and a shared, unwavering faith in the future,” the Serbian foreign minister said.

He stressed that Serbia sees Israel as one of its greatest friends and key strategic partners, which is why today’s discussions focused on economic and political cooperation.

“During today’s talks, apart from signing three important cooperation memorandums, we also agreed to launch a strategic dialogue between our two countries, to enhance our economic cooperation through inter-agency collaboration and a joint mixed economic committee,” Djuric said.

He noted that Israel’s economy is one of the most dynamic and innovative in the world, while Serbia’s economy is among the most dynamic and fastest growing in the region, having doubled its GDP in just over a decade.

Djuric placed special emphasis on the two countries’ shared approach to historical issues – the Holocaust and the preservation of the memory of the Jewish people’s suffering – stressing that Serbia has always given great importance to this and will continue to do so.

“Both states face attempts at historical revisionism, and our common goal is to resist those efforts,” Djuric underlined.

He reported that he had informed Sa’ar about the current situation in Kosovo and the dire position of Serbs living there.

Recalling that the meeting with the Israeli minister came just hours after the talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Djuric stressed that Serbia welcomes and supports Trump’s peace initiative and demands that Hamas immediately release all hostages and that the proposed provisions be fully implemented.

He also reminded that Serbian-Israeli citizen Alon Ohel has been held hostage by Hamas for more than 800 days, in conditions that are, as he said, unbearably harsh for any human being.

“There is no justification for all hostages not to be released,” Djuric declared.

Expressing gratitude to Israel for all that has been achieved so far, Djuric voiced his conviction that Serbia and Israel share much and will continue to share many successes in the future.

“Successes that will benefit our citizens, bring justice to all the victims our peoples have endured, and ensure that future generations in both our countries can look to the future with safety,” Minister Djuric concluded.

Sa’ar: Serbia is a close and important friend of Israel

Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, expressed satisfaction with today’s decision to launch a strategic dialogue between the two countries.

He emphasized that Serbia is a close and very important friend of Israel and that Serbia is a strategic pillar in the Western Balkans and in Europe.

He underlined that strengthening the friendship between the two nations further is a significant goal.

“This friendship is rooted in history. The Jewish community in Serbia is ancient, and most of it was brutally erased in the Holocaust. Jews and Serbs were victims of the evil Nazi regime, and partisans fought heroically against Hitler. We fought together, but we were also killed together,” Sa’ar stressed.

He said the partisans embodied the strong Serbian spirit of a proud, brave, and sovereign nation, just as Jews are a proud and sovereign nation in their ancestral homeland.

“We have built partnerships in many fields. I am proud that we are raising them to the next level. Today at our meeting, we decided to launch a strategic dialogue. I am glad that the negotiations on the free trade agreement are progressing. The re-establishment of direct flights will contribute to Serbia’s economy,” Sa’ar said.

He pointed out that the number of Israeli tourists has increased and invited Jews to visit Serbia, highlighting that it is a safe country for Israelis, just as he invited Serbs to visit Israel.

He stressed that Israel appreciates Serbia hosting Israeli basketball clubs in recent years, for which Israel sponsored the renovation of basketball courts as a sign of gratitude.

Sa’ar also noted that Israel is fighting for its survival and that 48 hostages abducted during the terrorist attack of October 7, two years ago, remain in “the dungeons of Gaza,” of whom 20 are still alive.

“One of those hostages is your compatriot. Alon Ohel is young, and his dream is to become a musician. He is being held in horrific conditions. I thank you for speaking out strongly on this matter and on the release of the hostages,” he said.

Israel has accepted Trump’s plan; it is up to Hamas to end the war

Sa’ar stated that Israel has accepted US President Donald Trump’s plan for a better future.

“We have always wanted to end this war and are committed to the goals set by the security cabinet. The only ones who have refused to end the war are those who started everything on October 7 – Hamas. Hamas is solely responsible for its continuation, as well as for the suffering and casualties among Palestinians,” he declared.

He stressed that it remains to be seen whether Hamas will accept Trump’s plan.

“We want our hostages to come home after two years. We want to see a different Gaza – deradicalized and demilitarized, one that does not pose a threat to Israel,” Sa’ar emphasized.

He thanked Serbia for protecting the Jewish community and supporting Israel in difficult times.

He also said that Israel is pleased to have supported Serbia’s candidacy to host EXPO 2027.

Before the press statements, Djuric and Sa’ar signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral consultations, a Memorandum on diplomatic training, and a Cooperation Program for 2025–2028 in the fields of education, science, culture, youth, and sports.

Minister Djuric also signed the Declaration on Survivors.