Đurić: OAS presence key for economic ties and UN support

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, stated today that Serbia’s participation in the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), where it holds permanent observer status, is of immense importance both for economic cooperation and for safeguarding national interests.

Minister Đurić emphasized that Serbia, at the summit hosted by Antigua and Barbuda, is sending a clear message in support of the UN Charter and the principle that all states—regardless of their size—should be free to conduct their internal and foreign policy independently.

“It is crucial that we secure critical support from countries in the UN General Assembly, where decisions are made regarding Kosovo and Metohija, as well as other matters of importance to Serbia,” Đurić explained, adding that Serbia’s comparative advantage lies in its broad network of friendships beyond its own continent.

“This summit has brought together a large number of countries that oppose war, which advocate respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty—not only of Serbia, but of all nations around the world. Many of these countries share views similar to ours on global challenges and issues,” Đurić noted.

Highlighting a key goal of Serbia’s participation at the OAS General Assembly, the Minister pointed to the upcoming Specialized Expo 2027, which will take place in Belgrade.

“We are here to ensure that our Expo 2027 will be the most successful Expo ever held, with the widest participation of countries,” said Đurić, adding that he extended invitations on behalf of President Aleksandar Vučić and the entire Government to numerous officials to come to Belgrade and take part in the event.

“We want to bring the world together around the values of cooperation and openness—around ideas that unite—especially in a time when it may seem that the international order is unraveling. It is precisely in such moments that we firmly stand behind the principles of the UN Charter,” the Minister underscored.

This summit, he added, also presents an opportunity to discuss economic cooperation, as Serbia has global ambitions in this regard. Thanks to technological advances and services, trade today is no longer limited to the immediate region.

Đurić noted that Serbia already realizes billions in trade with countries in North, Central, and South America—primarily in the field of information technology.

“This is one of the arenas of the future, and Serbia is here because we are thinking and planning long-term,” said Đurić, underlining the importance of Serbia’s continued high-level engagement with the OAS.