Đurić in Chișinău: Principle of Territorial Integrity Prevailed, So-Called Kosovo Will Not Become a Member of the Council of Europe

Đurić noted that during the meeting the voice of Serbia was heard clearly and unequivocally, with Serbia consistently advocating respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all European countries, stressing that the Council of Europe is an organization founded on the preservation of peace, stability, and respect for international law.

He added that the discussion on this issue was demanding and intense, and that certain European ministers openly called for Pristina’s membership in the organization, while warning that the danger has not passed, bearing in mind that more than two-thirds of Council of Europe member states recognize the unilaterally declared independence of Kosovo and Metohija.

The Minister emphasized that in his address he underscored that there is no place at the table of the Council of Europe for a government which, as he stated, systematically violates the political, collective, human, and cultural rights of Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, referring to the government of Albin Kurti. He added that he particularly highlighted Serbia’s responsible approach, noting that Serbia seeks dialogue, normalization of relations, and reconciliation in the region, while remaining clearly committed to the European future of the entire region.

“We cannot influence the past, but we can and must influence the future, which should be European in Kosovo and Metohija, both for Serbs and for Albanians,” Đurić stressed.

He called for the urgent accession of the entire region to the European Union and for the opening of the Schengen area, emphasizing that this would enable the free movement of people, work, and business activities.

Speaking about bilateral meetings, Đurić stated that he met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Maka Botchorishvili, with whom he discussed the forthcoming visit of President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić to Georgia, expressing his expectation that the visit would provide a significant new impetus to relations between the two countries.

He added that on the sidelines of the meeting he also spoke with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, thanking Ukraine for respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Serbia.

The Minister also participated in a constructive session on migration, chaired by the British Foreign Secretary and the Belgian minister, with the participation, among others, of the Czech minister and other officials.