Macut in Antalya: Serbia committed to regional cooperation and the European path

Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut stated today at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum that global governance mechanisms have an irreplaceable role, but that regional cooperation is becoming increasingly important in conditions of growing global uncertainty.

Speaking at the panel “The Role of Regional Ownership in the Transformation of the Contemporary World,” Macut emphasized that global mechanisms must be based on clearly defined universal rules and their consistent implementation.

He stressed that shortcomings in the functioning of global mechanisms cannot be fully compensated by other mechanisms, but that it is important for actors at the regional level to make maximum efforts to enhance cooperation.

As he underlined, Serbia is strongly committed to strengthening regional cooperation, which contributes to building trust, the process of reconciliation, and overall development on its path toward full membership in the European Union.

Speaking about the advantages of regional platforms, the prime minister said that regional actors are best positioned to respond to political, economic, and humanitarian challenges, according to a statement by the Government of Serbia.

They understand best the specific nature of the challenges they face and have the capacity to provide adequate responses, the prime minister noted, citing the migrant crisis as an example where regional cooperation has produced concrete results.

Macut assessed that many issues are primarily regional in nature and that partners in the region can address them most effectively through joint action, including in the development of infrastructure, trade, transport, education, and youth cooperation.

In a multipolar world, he said, it is crucial to focus on areas where there is agreement.

According to him, we must focus on what connects us rather than what divides us, because cooperation builds trust and creates conditions for resolving more complex issues.
Macut stressed that the countries of the Western Balkans aspire to full membership in the European Union and that regional initiatives largely rest on the adoption of European standards and the EU acquis.

The prime minister cited the CEFTA agreement as an example of successful cooperation, noting that it has significantly facilitated trade and contributed to economic growth for all participants.

He also pointed out that regional initiatives in Southeast Europe have played a key role in restoring ties and strengthening trust after the 1990s.

In that regard, he stated that the experiences of our region can serve as a model for other parts of the world in overcoming differences and strengthening cooperation.

The prime minister is leading the Serbian delegation at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, and alongside Macut, the leaders’ panel included President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo and President of the Republic of Burundi Evariste Ndayishimiye.

Also participating were Vice President of the Republic of Turkey Cevdet Yilmaz, Vice President of El Salvador Felix Ulloa, and Assistant to the President and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev.