Jovanovic and Kozarev with Pierce: Concern over the human rights situation of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, with Christian heritage also under threat

State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nevena Jovanovic, and Secretary General of the Ministry, Dušan Kozarev, today expressed concern during talks with the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, Karen Pierce, regarding the human rights situation of Serbs and other non-Albanians in Kosovo, emphasizing that, alongside the continued individual persecution carried out by the regime of Albin Kurti, the Christian Serbian heritage in the province also remains under threat. They called for British support for the full implementation of the agreements reached in the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue, particularly with regard to the establishment of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities.

During the meeting in London, bilateral relations between Serbia and the United Kingdom were reviewed and assessed as traditionally good, particularly in the economic sphere, as well as in the areas of defence and security. Special attention was also devoted to a number of mutually important regional issues, according to a statement issued by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Jovanovic and Kozarev conveyed Serbia’s full commitment to European integration and the continued implementation of reforms, emphasizing the exceptional achievements of the administration of President Aleksandar Vucic in comprehensively modernizing the country, raising the standard of living, and tripling GDP from 2012 to the present day, while positioning Serbia as a significant investment destination and a regional leader.

“The symbolic crown of this state-building policy will be the hosting of the global Expo 2027 exhibition, and expectations were expressed that the participation of the United Kingdom would be particularly notable and beneficial for strengthening bilateral ties,” the statement added.

The interlocutors also discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina following the recent resignation of Christian Schmidt, integration processes in Southeast Europe through initiatives such as the Berlin Process and Open Balkan, the improvement of energy and transport infrastructure, scientific and educational cooperation, as well as closer cooperation in the field of information technologies, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence.

Pierce emphasized official London’s support for Serbia’s European integration and, acknowledging the economic achievements that have been made, expressed the United Kingdom’s readiness to continue actively participating in processes aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and reconciliation, while also engaging in major development projects in Serbia and the wider region.

The interlocutors agreed that the abolition of British visas for holders of Serbian passports would significantly contribute to the enhancement of business contacts, and that the matter would be discussed further within the competent institutions.