Djuric: We will protect Serbian state and national interests regarding Kosovo

Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric stated today that strengthening friendships and ties with nations around the world, protecting national and state interests with a clear European perspective for Serbia, remain absolute priorities of his ministry in the coming period, RTV reports. One of the challenges he noted is the continuation of Albin Kurti’s ultranationalist policy toward Serbs in Kosovo.

“I’m entering this new term with a lot of enthusiasm and fully aware of the challenges ahead,” Djuric said in an interview with Tanjug. He added that the continuation of the policy pursued by the current prime minister of Kosovo’s institutions, Albin Kurti, toward Serbs in Kosovo can be expected, as well as efforts by Pristina to secure new recognitions of the unilaterally declared independence.

“Pristina has been working for over a decade to prepare a new wave of recognitions, and there is a kind of competition between the government and opposition there, not about who can cause more damage to the other, but who can bring in more new recognitions. This is a real threat we face in the upcoming period, and in the spirit of our people’s tradition, we will accept the challenge and commit ourselves to protecting the Serbian state and national interest,” Djuric emphasized.

Asked how he assesses the current situation in Kosovo, Djuric said that Kurti’s regime has used ultranationalist methods over the past two and a half years, which is something that, as he noted, has not been seen in Europe for many years.

“Over the past two and a half years, Kurti’s regime has effectively accelerated the emigration of Serbs from Kosovo and Metohija by severing the institutional, economic, and other vital connections of the Serbian community. This happened with verbal condemnation but, in substance, without consequences from the international community. We can expect a continuation of that policy,” Djuric said.

According to him, the Serb List has been the biggest victim of Kurti’s regime, which, he said, also bears the greatest responsibility for the failure of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina so far.

“But far from it being the only one responsible. Responsibility also lies with the international community, which has tolerated the non-implementation of the Brussels Agreement for 13 years. The responsibility is shared by both sides, though Kurti's is, of course, greater,” Djuric stated.

The Minister also emphasized that Serbia is not looking to assign blame for the stagnation in the dialogue, but rather to find solutions that will help its people. He added that during the previous term, a center dedicated solely to Kosovo-related issues was established.

Djuric also pointed out the problems faced during the previous term and highlighted the fight against Kosovo’s membership in the Council of Europe, as well as the resolution on Srebrenica.

“In the previous term, we had only a few months at our disposal, just four or five months, to engage in the regular activities of a foreign policy service. During that time, we initiated many efforts, I visited all continents, and Serbia played a very active role in numerous international forums and events. We took steps to modernize the ministry itself and established a center for analytics and training, which significantly contributed to a better understanding of global trends,” Djuric said.

Speaking about the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting he attended a few days ago in Luxembourg, Djuric said that representing Serbia there had not been easy, primarily due to the pressure faced over Serbia’s relations with the Russian Federation and its participation in this year’s Victory Day celebration in Moscow.

“We firmly and decisively defended Serbia’s state and national position. Serbia is a country aspiring to EU membership, and we believe that our strategic foreign policy priority, including under the new government of Djuro Macut, remains accession to the European Union. We are moving along that path with respect for ourselves and our national interests, abiding by the prescribed rules, but also insisting that Serbia not be subject to different rules compared to other candidates,” Djuric emphasized.

He added that Serbia has much to offer the EU, which is why the country’s membership in that international organization should be viewed as a win-win scenario for both sides.

“We are a country that will achieve a cumulative GDP growth of nearly 13 percent by 2027, and I think there is practically no country in the broader region that can boast such results,” Djuric said.

Regarding potential US sanctions against the NIS company, the minister emphasized that citizens have no reason to worry about fuel supplies and prices, and that the government will continue negotiating with the US administration to overcome the current situation.

Djuric also expressed his desire for Serbia to host US President Donald Trump during his term in office, emphasizing that this would be the first visit by a US president to Serbia since 1980.

“Both sides agree on the need to elevate our relations to the level of a strategic partnership. We want closer and better relations with Washington,” Djuric said, noting that Serbia and the United States already have a strategic partnership in the energy sector.

Speaking about the ministry's work, he recalled that seven diplomatic-consular missions had been opened during the previous period, in centers of growing economic, political, and diplomatic influence. He also pointed out that steps had been taken to modernize consular services.

“We are completing the system for electronic visas. In other words, we are finalizing a system in which citizens of countries around the world will be able to apply for our visas at embassies and online, to request them fully online, and to receive them in that format as well,” Djuric said, adding that this will shorten waiting times and, in turn, boost foreign tourism in Serbia.

Asked how he sees the domestic situation in the context of the recent blockades, Djuric said that society has suffered considerably over the past five months.

“I believe it is now necessary for society to return to institutional frameworks and function according to the laws, rules, and regulations, and that applies to absolutely all of us. I believe all revolutionary-type changes have brought more destruction than benefit, but on the other hand, I am pleased that decision-makers in the ruling structures, especially in domestic politics, have shown a degree of responsibility and commitment to democratic principles and ideals. I think the appointment of Djuro Macut as Prime Minister of Serbia can significantly contribute to a return to political normalcy and to reducing tensions in our country,” Djuric concluded.

The minister wished all citizens health, happiness, and love during the holiday season.

“May this Easter holiday remind us that regardless of our ideology, party affiliation, religion, or origin, we are one community and must extend a hand to one another, help each other, and build a better society through institutions and by respecting rules, and that we must fight for that together. I am convinced that better days are ahead for Serbia, and that we will greet Vidovdan relieved of some of the images that have marked the past months,” Djuric said.