Djuric: We prevented Kurti's regime from trying to make Kosovo a part of the Council of Europe

Serbia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marko Djuric, stated that one of Serbia's greatest achievements in the past year was preventing Kosovo from becoming a member of the Council of Europe, as well as reversing the situation regarding the Resolution on Genocide in Srebrenica at the United Nations.

Speaking on K1 Television, Djuric emphasized another success – Serbia's path toward EU integration.

"In May, we fought in the UN to block a resolution against Serbia's interests, which was very serious. In just three weeks, we managed to turn the outcome around on the most difficult possible topic. Another success was preventing Kurti's regime from becoming a member of the Council of Europe. Through our contacts and engagement, we succeeded in stopping that. A key priority for our diplomacy was further progress on Serbia's European path. We improved our relations with the EU. Ursula von der Leyen visited Serbia and expressed her desire to see Serbia as part of the EU by the end of her mandate. We hope to open a new cluster by the end of January or early February. We have raised the level of foreign policy alignment with the EU to nearly 60%," Djuric highlighted.

He added that critical decisions in Brussels are made by consensus, making EU membership challenging to achieve.

"There may also be new pressures regarding Kosovo and Metohija. For ten years, everyone has been saying Serbia will recognize the so-called independence of Kosovo, but I will remind you that no one has supported our people in Kosovo and Metohija more than those accused of such things. As the director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, I visited Kosovo more than 200 times. We will continue to fight for our people in Kosovo. We have maintained peace and are waiting for favorable circumstances to resolve the issue in the way we believe is best," Djuric emphasized.

Serbs are a natural ally of the US in Europe

Considering the anticipated significant changes with Donald Trump’s return to the presidency on January 20, Djuric expressed pride in his four years of efforts to improve relations between Serbia and the United States.

"I believe it is in Serbia's supreme national interest to maintain good relations with a country that has inspired many historical movements. Our histories are not that distant. We have had 143 years of relations with the US, excluding the 1990s. Many notable Serbs contributed to building America, and many Americans supported the development of Serbian statehood. Serbs are a natural ally of the US in Europe. Slowly, a Serbian lobby is emerging in America," Djuric stated.

He noted that we are living in turbulent times, with global power centers shifting and the unipolar moment fading into history.

"The United Nations and international law are taking a backseat, replaced by a sort of law of the strongest. In such conditions, countries of our size are particularly vulnerable. We must conduct foreign policy that wins friends and allies who can realistically help us. We will continue pursuing an independent, consistent policy. We want good relations with everyone. Today, I expect excellent news regarding relations with the US. If it proves true that a strategic dialogue with the US will open in the coming days, it would establish regular cooperation with our institutions and enhance the scope of our relations. But we will wait for official confirmation," Djuric said.

Asked whether newly-elected President Donald Trump would visit Serbia, Djuric said Belgrade would be eager to host him.

"Serbs in America overwhelmingly supported Trump, which was noted by many. Serbia is very keen on hosting President Donald Trump. I am confident this visit would be historic, and he would be welcomed here like nowhere else. Our President Vucic has an excellent personal relationship with President Trump. During their meeting in September 2020, Trump said he would visit Belgrade. After Trump's victory, Vucic had a direct phone call with him, and it was very successful," Djuric remarked.

Regarding the lack of implementation of the Washington Agreement, Djuric expressed hope for change.

"Richard Grenell deserves credit for the Washington Agreement, recognizing that economic cooperation can build bridges in the region. Those principles of economic connectivity can benefit our region. I believe similar plans will be present in the coming period. But we need to see how Secretary Rubio decides to address this region. It will take time," Djuric emphasized.

Entire Serbian Government attended the celebration of Republika Srpska's 33rd anniversary

Djuric, along with the rest of the Serbian Government, participated in the celebration of Republika Srpska's 33rd anniversary in Banja Luka yesterday. He noted that people in Serbia hold deep affection for Serbs across the Drina River.

"Our goal is for Republika Srpska to prosper. Our presence at the Republic Day celebration is a gesture of respect for those who fought for its creation and a message of cooperation important for Serbia. Regional policy is a priority for us, and one of our goals is to strongly support Serbs throughout the region. Yesterday, the entire Serbian government was in Banja Luka," Djuric said.

He added that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Agreement, and Republika Srpska's existence is part of that agreement guaranteed by major powers.

"For us, Republika Srpska is a constant. Our love for Serbs in Srpska is not directed against anyone. Serbia firmly supports Dayton, which includes respecting Bosnia and Herzegovina's territorial sovereignty. Some want to reduce the freedoms and collective rights of the people in Republika Srpska, but we are strongly against imposing any political solutions on the people of Republika Srpska. They should decide their own fate without foreign dictates," Djuric concluded.