Djuric: We are moving forward with the vision of a Serbia that engages in dialogue, protects its interests, and respects others

On the occasion of Serbian Diplomacy Day, Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, hosted a reception for members of the diplomatic corps, where he emphasized that preserving internal, political, and regional stability is the foundation of Serbia’s foreign policy, which promotes dialogue, compromise, and a constructive approach to resolving outstanding issues.

Djuric stressed that Serbia’s foreign policy is not an isolated area of state activity but rather an extension of national policy—its guardian and ally.

“Our foreign policy priorities are shaped in accordance with our internal development, aspirations, and the values we uphold. Their ultimate goal is to create an international environment conducive to achieving key national interests. In that spirit, preserving internal, political, and regional stability represents the cornerstone of Serbia’s foreign policy. Stability is not merely the absence of conflict—it is the active building of trust and institutional capacity to face contemporary challenges. Without stability, there is no development; without development, there is neither real individual freedom nor progress for the community,” Djuric said.

He noted that Serbia, as a responsible member of the international community, promotes dialogue, compromise, and a constructive approach to resolving outstanding issues, particularly in the Western Balkans region.

“Through initiatives that affirm shared interests and various formats of regional cooperation, Serbia advocates for connection, trust-building, and the strengthening of economic and social ties among the countries of the region. Guided by the wisdom of a Serbian proverb—‘If you respect others, you need not worry for yourself’—Serbia will continue to extend a hand, one that reaches beyond dividing lines and borders, committed to achieving stability and prosperity for all, and founded on a positive agenda and a vision of a shared European future,” he stated.

Djuric remarked that, regrettably, the atmosphere of peacebuilding and regional stability is often disrupted by the actions of certain regional actors.

“Despite existing challenges, Serbia remains firmly committed to contributing to the development of good-neighborly relations. Our role in the region is not passive—it is highly proactive and aimed at creating a space where peace, security, and cooperation are lasting values. Our key priority remains the preservation of the independence and autonomy of Serbia’s political institutions in decision-making. Serbia seeks to be a reliable partner. We are open to cooperation with all neighboring countries that treat us as an equal dialogue partner, regardless of their size, strength, or continent of origin. Fostering a culture of remembrance should remain a priority of our foreign policy efforts, as it prevents historical revisionism and underscores the freedom-loving spirit of our people and our commitment to building a better world. Our model of coexistence, tolerance, and mutual respect can and must serve as an example in a broader regional and European context,” Minister Djuric concluded.

Djuric emphasized that Day of Serbian Diplomacy serves primarily as a reminder of the deeply rooted national effort to preserve the voice of reason, moderation, and wisdom in international relations, especially during times of turbulent historical change.

"Today, under modern conditions, our diplomacy still relies on those deep foundations, adapting to contemporary trends, challenges, and the needs of a modern, independent, militarily neutral, and open state," the minister highlighted.

The head of Serbian diplomacy also pointed out that the success of the diplomatic service would not be possible without the people who make it up, expressing his deep gratitude to all Serbian diplomats who devotedly and committedly defend Serbia’s interests, as well as to the diplomats representing their countries and organizations in Serbia.

In that context, Djuric stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has, in recent years, made significant efforts to improve human resources policy, with a particular focus on young diplomats, all with the goal of ensuring that the institution remains a leader in protecting Serbia’s interests, and that diplomatic and consular missions become true centers of excellence in promoting our country and strengthening cooperation with the world.

"In the past years, the world has faced accelerated global transformations, and diplomacy has become one of the key mechanisms for protecting state interests, as well as a bridge for building trust in times of crisis. The Republic of Serbia, guided by the wise and responsible policy of President Aleksandar Vučic, has demonstrated maturity, independence, and strategic focus in this regard," Djuric stated.

"Serbia's foreign policy aims to create a stable and predictable international environment that will enable the realization of these priorities. Foreign policy does not exist for its own sake. It is both a tool and a guarantee that internal development, social cohesion, and prosperity will become a reality, not just a wish," Djuric concluded.

According to him, Serbian diplomacy is characterized not only by principled positions, but also by flexibility and the ability to respond to challenges, without abandoning the foundations of the country's state policy.

"One of the key aspects of our country’s foreign policy efforts in the coming period will be increasing the prestige of the Serbian passport. Significant progress has been made in negotiations on visa liberalization with numerous countries, which enables our citizens to travel without administrative obstacles and to feel welcome around the world. I am proud of the fact that, thanks to efforts made in the previous period, citizens of Serbia can now travel without a visa to 140 countries worldwide. But we will not stop there. We will work tirelessly to ensure our citizens have freer and easier access to global destinations," emphasized Minister Djuric.

Speaking about the current moment, the head of Serbian diplomacy assessed that we are facing numerous challenges but also great opportunities, as geopolitical tensions, regional dynamics, technological changes, migration, and new security risks demand that Serbian diplomacy remain flexible, innovative, and consistent.

"Relying on our experience, motivated by human potential, and inspired by the values we share with the world, we are moving forward with a vision of Serbia as a respected, secure, and open country—a country that engages in dialogue, builds bridges, protects its interests, and respects others—a country whose diplomacy will serve as an example of stability in a world full of challenges and change," Minister Djuric said.

As part of the celebration of the Day of Serbian Diplomacy, guests were presented with the exhibition “A Letter of Friendship – Philately and Diplomacy,” and the Director of the Public Enterprise “Posta Srbije,” Zoran Andjelkovic, highlighted in his address that philately is one of the oldest and most beautiful disciplines that celebrates culture, tradition, and carefully built connections.

On the occasion of the Day of Serbian Diplomacy, Minister Djuric laid a wreath in front of the Ministry building and paid tribute to his colleague Nenad Nikolic, who tragically lost his life during the NATO aggression. A tribute was also paid at the Museum of Serbian Diplomacy to all colleagues who lost their lives in the line of diplomatic service.

The Day of Serbian Diplomacy marks 186 years since the establishment of the first Prince’s Office for Foreign Affairs, and 836 years since the first diplomatic mission, led by Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja and Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa.