Spokesperson of the Chinese MFA: China hopes for the safe release of Igor Popovic

The spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, stated that China hopes the Assistant Director of the Office for Kosovo and Metohija, Igor Popovic, will be safely released.

At a press conference, responding to a question about China’s position on the arrest of Igor Popovic in Kosovo and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement expressing hope for his prompt release, Guo said that Beijing respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and believes that the safety, legal rights, and interests of Serbs in Kosovo should be protected.

“We are following the arrest of Mr. Igor Popovic and have noted the statements from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the EU. We hope for Mr. Popovic’s safe release. China respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Serbia and believes that the safety and legal rights and interests of Serbs in Kosovo should be protected,” Guo said, according to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He added that China hopes the parties will continue to engage in practical and constructive dialogue within the framework of relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

“We also hope that the parties will actively seek a lasting solution to the Kosovo issue within the framework of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and refrain from taking unilateral actions that could lead to tensions,” he stated.